Over two days of bargaining Feb. 1-2, UC enhanced its wage proposal for clerical staff in an effort to bring protracted negotiations to an end and reach agreement on a new contract.

In addition to UC’s proposed 18 percent wage increase over a six-year contract, the university increased its proposal by offering each clerical employee a $1,500 lump sum payment, to be given in $500 installments every other year over the life of the contract.  Clerical employees would receive the first $500 payment immediately following ratification.

UC’s wage proposal would ensure salaries for clerical staff remain market competitive. Currently, the average annual salary of a UC clerical employee is $47,300 — nearly 20 percent above the state average of roughly $39,200.

The Teamsters leadership did not accept the university’s comprehensive offer, nor did they provide a complete counterproposal to settle the contract.

UC is working hard to show flexibility at the bargaining table and resolve differences with the ultimate goal of finalizing a fair contract that will allow clerical staff to receive wage increases without further delay. The university urges the Teamsters to show the same willingness to compromise so the parties can reach agreement. 

Highlights of the university’s offer are:

  • Wages: An average 18 percent wage increase over a six-year contract. (These increases are on top of the 22.5 percent in pay increases UC clerical employees received under the most recent five-year contract.)
  • Lump sum payment: An additional $1,500, to be paid out in $500 installments every other year of the contract. 
  • Health Care: An average annual cost of just $384 for generous health benefits for employees and their dependents. By contrast, the average American worker typically pays more than $5,200 per year for less generous health benefits for just themselves.
  • Retirement Benefits: A choice between a traditional pension plan or a 401(k)-style plan for employees hired on or after July 1, 2016. Few employers offer their employees this kind of choice, or a pension plan.

The university is working on scheduling additional bargaining dates, with the goal of bringing these negotiations to a close.