Whereas, the University of California, Irvine Medical Center (UCIMC) generated $933 million in revenue streams during the 2014-2015 fiscal year and incurred $864 million in operating expenses;[1]
Whereas, UCIMC recorded profits of $70 million in the last fiscal year, and $130 million in the last two consecutive years;[1]
Whereas, UCIMC began laying off 175 employees in early November, leaving 3.5% of its frontline workforce jobless;
Whereas, nurses, admission clerks, and medical assistants serve pivotal roles in a team effort aimed at delivering quality patient healthcare;
Whereas, staffing surveys completed by more than 5,000 AFSCME Local 3299-represented UC Patient Care and Service workers this spring 2016 showed that 91% of staff report under-staffing in their department, putting workers safety and quality patient healthcare at risk;[2]
Whereas, between 2010 and 2014, UCIMC middle management numbers grew by 53% while payroll costs have more than doubled since 2011; [3]
Whereas, UC Irvine Medical Center reportedly paid millions in fees to Accenture, the consulting firm driving the layoffs;
Whereas, UCIMC management has not yet shown it has pursued cost-cutting efforts that target non-labor costs, frontline employees are on the chopping block;
Whereas, UC Irvine students have been present in supporting these workers peacefully demonstrate and demand their jobs back at the Medical Center; and
Whereas, it is imperative that the student government uphold the student body’s concern for the University workers and demand accountability from the administration;
Therefore, let it be resolved that, ASUCI stands in solidarity with the 175 employees faced with layoffs, and condemns UCIMC for dismissing the efforts of frontline workers;
Be it further resolved that, ASUCI demands that the University of California, Irvine prioritize quality patient care over maximizing short-term profits, executive bonuses or lining the pockets of high-priced outside consultants;
Be it further resolved that, ASUCI recognizes the constant attack on support workers within the UC and condemns any further massive layoffs done by UC administration;
Be it further resolved that, ASUCI Senate demands a meeting to be had with ASUCI executive cabinet and the UC Irvine Medical Center, to encourage greater transparency and communications with this facet of our university; and
Be it further resolved that, ASUCI demands that the University of California, Irvine offer all devoted, laid-off UCIMC workers their jobs back, in addition to back-pay and benefits;
Lastly, be it further resolved that a copy of this legislation be sent to the Director of the Medical Center, the Chancellor of UC Irvine, UC President Janet Napolitano, and UC Regents Board.
[2] http://www.afscme3299.org/new-survey-results-reveal-staffing-crisis-at-uc/
[3] AFSCME analysis of UC Corporate Personnel System data from October 2011 and October 2015.