Teamsters 2010 Statement on the Death of our UPTE Brother
Join Rally for Safety & Healing December 11 at 5:00PM
Teamsters Local 2010 mourns the tragic loss of our Union brother Alberto Rangel, a dedicated social worker represented by UPTE, who was killed on-the-job while serving his patients. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and coworkers during this time.
No one should EVER fear for their safety while doing the vital work of caring for others. This tragedy spotlights the urgent need for hospital management to implement comprehensive safety protocols and measures required by law, and that workers have been requesting for years!
These measures are not optional—they are essential standards for hospital workers. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that 48% of all non-fatal injuries from occupational assaults and violent acts occurred in the field of healthcare & social services.
According to Valerie Graham, a Teamsters Local 2010 member at UCSF Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, there were eight Teamsters 2010 workers who witnessed the incident and had been attempting to calm the patient down prior to Rangel being stabbed.
“There have been so many requests to have more security in place due to the constant threats that we get. It was preventable–everyone is reeling,” said Graham, who is a Practice Coordinator 3 at the hospital. “General consensus is that UC leadership could have adopted better protocols to handle these threats. Why didn’t they do anything about those alarms that went off about the patient?”
Social service workers in the public sector (social workers and case workers) are seven times more likely to be victims of violent assaults than workers in the other sectors. State law makes it clear that hospitals must have robust workplace violence prevention plans, including hazard analysis, staff training, and emergency response systems.
Safety measures for healthcare workers required by the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and enforceable by Cal/OSHA include:
- Personal security alarms in strategic areas or panic buttons worn by staff, enabling rapid response in emergencies.
- Workplace violence prevention programs with clear policies around emergency response and regular staff training on de-escalation techniques.
- Clear communication between clinical teams, ensuring quick intervention and listening to worker concerns about potential threats and safety concerns.
Teamsters Local 2010 demands that administrators at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital act now to protect the workers who dedicate their lives to providing quality care for their patients.
Teamsters Local 2010 members who need additional support due to this tragic incident may contact Union Representative Emily Pacheco at epacheco@teamsters2010.org or (510) 926-0820. Learn more about the California DIR Workplace Violence Prevention standard for healthcare by clicking here: https://www.dir.ca.gov/Title8/3342.html
Together, we can honor our fallen brother by fighting for a safer workplace to avoid another tragedy in the future.
Join Rally for Healing and Safety
Hosted by UPTE CWA 9119
In the wake of the tragic loss of our union brother, we are coming together alongside UPTE to demand change because safety and accountability cannot wait. Do not miss work to attend the rally – only participate before or after your shift or while on a break.
Thursday, December 11
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Mother and Baby Statue
1001 Potrero Ave.
The time to hold UC accountable is now. Our voice matters—let’s stand together for healing and safety.
