UC Opens Contract Negotiations with CNA Nurses, Emphasizes Shared Commitment to Excellence and Impact

The University of California has begun negotiations with the California Nurses Association (CNA) for a new collective bargaining agreement covering more than 24,000 registered nurses across the UC system. This agreement will succeed the current contract, which is set to expire on October 31, 2025.

UC nurses are at the heart of our patient care mission. Whether working in hospitals, clinics, research settings, or community-based programs, your skill, compassion, and dedication are essential to the health and well-being of Californians. As one of the largest public academic health systems in the country, UC is proud to support your work as caregivers, leaders, educators, and advocates across the state.

Our commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible care—particularly in underserved and medically vulnerable communities—continues to drive our mission. We remain equally committed to supporting your profession and fostering a safe, respectful, and sustainable working environment for all UC nurses.

At the same time, the UC system and the UC’s academic health centers are currently facing significant and unprecedented financial pressures. Due to a combination of rising labor and supply costs, our academic health centers are under increasing strain. Labor costs have surged by 22% year-over-year, now outpacing patient care revenue. These challenges are further compounded by the growing demand for complex care among publicly insured populations, whose reimbursement rates often fall short of the actual costs of services.

Adding to this financial pressure is the recent implementation of federal policy changes that sharply reduce Medicaid funding, a critical revenue source for UC Health. Unlike other parts of the university, UC Health does not receive direct state funding to support its operations. It must rely heavily on clinical revenue to fund staffing, patient services, medical education, and research. Despite these headwinds, we are entering this bargaining process with a sincere commitment to collaboration and shared problem-solving. 

During the sessions on August 5 and 6, UC passed three proposals, including recognition, classifications, and a side letter on gender inclusive language. CNA passed 18 proposals that included recognition, classifications, career positions, per diems, probationary periods, and education and professional development.

The two parties will meet bimonthly for the duration of the negotiations, exchanging proposals and counterproposals until agreement is reached. The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for August 20-21 at UCI.  

We look forward to working closely with CNA to develop a contract that both supports our nursing workforce and helps sustain UC’s ability to provide high-quality care to the communities we serve. Thank you for everything you do to advance health and healing throughout the UC system. Your dedication is deeply valued.