Union calls on NCDHHS workers to join with teachers in calling out of work
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- Union urges DHHS staff to call out Nov. 7 and Nov. 10 in solidarity with teachers.
- UE Local 150 cites staffing vacancies and budget impasse as drivers of action.
- State law bans strikes; union warns members will accept potential disciplinary risks.
The union representing state Department of Health and Human Services workers is calling on DHHS staff to call out of work on Friday and Monday to show solidarity with teachers who may be protesting those two days.
An anonymous viral social media post has encouraged teachers to call out of work those two days to protest issues such as the lack of a state budget and employee raises. In a press release Wednesday, the North Carolina Public Service Workers’ Union (UE Local 150) called on its union members and other state workers “to stand in solidarity with North Carolina teachers in their plan to organize a call-out on November 7 and November 10.”
“We would like to send a loud and clear message to both the Governor and legislative leaders that public sector work matters,” according to the press release. “The priorities represented in their budget proposals are not the priorities of the people of North Carolina.
“The people have not asked for tax cuts for the wealthy and the zeroing out of corporate tax rates. These are not our values.”
DHHS said it’s aware of the UE Local 150 press release and recognizes that “state employees are the engine that powers essential services for the more than 11 million people who call North Carolina home.”
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering commitment and compassionate care to those we serve, including the valued work of our state operated healthcare facilities staff who provide critical services every day,” DHHS said in a statement to The News & Observer.
“Like healthcare systems throughout the nation, NCDHHS health care facilities are experiencing increased staffing shortages. NCDHHS is committed to continuing to look for ways to use every available tool to retain and attract the necessary staff members we need to ensure the essential services our facilities provide endure..”
Will DHHS workers call out?
The press release notes that UE 150 has workers in all 13 state-operated health facilities, which include the state psychiatric hospitals, neuro-medical treatment centers, alcohol and drug treatment centers, and facilities for the intellectually delayed.
It’s unclear how many DHHS workers will heed the union’s call. But Willie Brown, president of UE Local 150, said it wouldn’t take that many employees calling out to have an impact on services.
Brown cited the example of a strike in 2023 by some Durham solid waste workers that led to the city awarding bonuses to employees.
“If 10% call out, 90% will fill it,” Brown said in an interview Wednesday with The N&O. “And then it puts a question mark on the behaviors and procedures that have been practiced.
“If 30% does it, it will most certainly create a significant change, because you’re talking about 70% carrying 100% of the load.”
It’s unclear how many teachers may call out of work on Friday and Monday. No one has publicly taken credit for the call-out. The North Carolina Association of Educators has said it’s not behind the viral social media post.
Complaints about lawmakers, DHHS management
The potential walkout of state workers and teachers comes amid frustration over state lawmakers being unable to reach a deal on a comprehensive state budget.
This means most state workers and school employees will not see any state raises this year. At the same time, many people will see a reduction in their net pay due to rising costs next year in the State Health Plan.
“The failure to pass a state budget, funding cuts to education and DHHS, dramatic increases to health care plans to enrich corporate giants such as CVS, and salary raises which don’t keep up with inflation are the primary reasons for these demands,” according to the UE Local 150 press release.
UE Local 150 also complained about DHHS management not working with them. The union has complained about the impact that thousands of vacancies is having on the remaining DHHS workers.
DHHS said it recognizes the concerns cited by the union.
“It is imperative to invest in NCDHHS staff to shore up an overburdened system that is already delivering critical services,” DHHS said in its statement. “We support higher salaries and better benefits for this vital workforce.”
Illegal for public workers to strike
“UE 150 demands collective bargaining rights for public sector workers, a minimum wage of $25, physical safety on the job, and an end to the management work culture of fear and retaliation,” the union said in its press release.
It’s illegal under state law for public workers to participate in strikes.
“If we say we’re gonna stand in solidarity, we’re gonna stand in solidarity,” Brown said “We’re not gonna back down and whatever the consequences or repercussions.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 4:31 PM.
