The University of California and the University Council-American Federation of Teachers Continue Discussions Toward a New Agreement for Unit 18 Faculty (IX)
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The University of California and the University Council-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT) held a virtual bargaining session on May 7 to continue negotiations on a systemwide successor collective bargaining agreement for roughly 5,314 Unit 18 faculty across the UC system.
The day opened with testimony that continued through the morning portion of the session, discussing program closures, reduced appointments, and employment uncertainty. UC-AFT then passed a proposal covering all Unit 18 Appointments, which included changes to the nature of pre-six appointments in an attempt to enhance job security, a central concern for the Union. The University passed an initial proposal on Holidays and a counterproposal on Ground Rules, which included a plan to limit observer access during virtual bargaining sessions to roughly the equivalent of a typical conference room used for in-person sessions—a priority to minimize distractions and ensure efficient bargaining.
UC deeply values the contributions of Unit 18 faculty, whose work is central to instruction and the overall student academic experience across the institution. We remain committed to maintaining a professional, respectful approach to good faith bargaining aimed at achieving a fair and sustainable agreement that strengthens high-quality teaching, supports the academic mission, and prioritizes student success.
The parties will continue bargaining on May 21.
Learn how contracts are bargained.