SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - University of California medical center officials said Friday they are rescheduling hundreds of surgeries and appointments for cancer patients as they prepare for a three-day strike by UC workers next week.
The strike starting Monday was called by AFSCME Local 3299, which represents thousands of service workers, such as custodians, security guards and food service workers at UC campuses.
The union says thousands of professional and technical employees will strike in sympathy, potentially including medical assistants, nurses, radiology and other technicians.
University officials said that students and campuses could expect some inconveniences. Medical center officials said they would continue to deliver essential patient care services were rescheduling a variety of appointments in anticipation of the walkouts.
UC San Francisco spokeswoman Elizabeth Fernandez said Friday that UCSF Medical Center has rescheduled 300 surgeries and appointments for 800 cancer patients.
UC Davis Health said in a statement that doctors were working with patients to reschedule appointments and procedures that could safely be delayed.
UCLA Health said in a statement it has retained temporary health care workers to fill-in during the walkout.
The union is seeking higher wages for UC workers and urging the 10-campus system to address pay inequalities.
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