UC Workers Demand Fair Pay and Patient Safety Amid Salary Increases for Management

The Board of Regents of the University of California convened on July 13, 2025, to address various pressing issues affecting students and staff across the UC system. The meeting featured a series of public comments highlighting concerns regarding wages, tuition models, healthcare access, and job security.

The first speaker, a representative from the nursing staff, expressed frustration over stagnant wages amid rising inflation. They noted that a 3.2% wage increase fails to keep pace with the 2.7% inflation rate, raising concerns about the attractiveness of UC positions and the potential impact on patient care. The speaker emphasized the need for fair compensation to ensure quality healthcare services.

Lucia Hermoso, a legislative aide for the UC Student Association, voiced her concerns regarding the proposed changes to the cohort tuition model. She argued that the model unfairly burdens incoming students with higher tuition rates while providing minimal input from students themselves. Hermoso highlighted the risk of making college less affordable, particularly for low-income and transfer students, as the proposed changes could increase annual tuition caps and reduce financial aid allocations.

Catherine Mullahian, a nurse at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, raised alarms about negotiations affecting healthcare premiums and access. She presented a petition signed by thousands of workers demanding no cuts to healthcare and called for prioritizing patient safety and worker well-being in negotiations.

Charlie Mussoff from the California Alliance for Student Parent Success discussed the recently enacted GAINS for Student Parents Act, which aims to support student parents in higher education. He urged the UC Regents to adopt policies that better account for the costs faced by student parents and to enhance financial aid accessibility.

Kristen Delmarty, a pediatric nurse and union representative, expressed outrage over recent layoffs of essential healthcare workers while management received salary increases. She called for safe staffing, job security, and better working conditions for nurses, emphasizing the solidarity among healthcare workers in their fight for fair treatment.

The meeting concluded with additional speakers, including Vivian Burt, a professor at UCLA, who addressed issues of antisemitism on campus. The discussions underscored the ongoing challenges faced by both students and staff within the UC system, highlighting the need for continued dialogue and action to address these critical issues. The Board of Regents is expected to consider these concerns in their future deliberations and decisions.