Janet Napolitano the answer to UC problems? Head of union hopes so

The head of an influential union said Friday that she hoped Janet Napolitano, nominated to lead the University of California system, would “restore the spirit of cooperation and respect” to the 10-campus system.

Kathryn Lybarger, president of AFSCME 3299, the system’s largest union, said that UC staff, students and patients were “largely excluded from the secretive process” that led to the nomination of Napolitano, secretary of Homeland Security.

TALK BACK: Is Janet Napolitano a good choice for UC president?

Lybarger also said that increased student tuition and debt, “unrivaled” executive excess and declining public trust in the system is the “unfortunate legacy” of departing UC President Mark G. Yudof, who will step down in August.

The union and UC have been at odds over pension requirements, staffing levels and other contract issues. Some union members participated in a two-day strike this year at some UC medical centers.

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