Police arrest 13 union protesters at UC regents meeting

By Laurel Rosenhall

University of California police arrested 13 people this morning who staged a noisy but orderly protest during the governing board of regents’ meeting at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Hospital workers who are part of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union are locked in bitter contract negotiations with UC management. UC officials say that union members are unwilling to participate in the university’s plan for reduced pension benefits for new employees. AFSCME representatives say the university’s proposals compromise patient safety.

Workers interrupted the meeting with chants of protest and sat on the floor with locked arms. Police gave them several warnings before beginning the arrests. After about 20 minutes, police arrested 13 people, said UC spokesman Peter King. They will be processed and released, he said, unless any have outstanding warrants.

Gov. Jerry Brown was expected to attend the regents meeting but had not arrived at the time of the arrests.

[Source]: The Sacramento Bee