A major strike involving 40,000 UC service and hospital workers has been averted following a late-night deal between the University of California and AFSCME Local 3299. Prior to the agreement, workers had prepared for an open-ended strike that threatened to disrupt medical services, dining facilities, and other operations across all campuses. The deal, reached after two years of negotiation, provides a resolution that addresses pay and affordability, ensuring that hospital and academic activities can continue without major interruption. This outcome follows a period of intense preparations for a potential strike that could have significantly impacted healthcare services for patients.