UC’S Wage Offers and Substantive Proposals for Nurses Contract Rejected By CNA
Share This Article
In October alone, the University of California submitted over 25 proposals and counterproposals to CNA over four days of bargaining across a variety of articles. CNA has rejected many of the University’s proposals, including those regarding compensation, as detailed below.
Contract Extension: The University proposed a one-year contract extension designed to ensure stability for nurses and patient care. The agreement would have:
- Extended the current contract for one year while requiring bargaining to continue without interruption.
- Locked in the 5% wage increase included in UC’s comprehensive wage proposal (3.2% base-building and 1.8% one-time) for the first year, ensuring nurses receive their raises on time on January 1, 2026.
- Provided monthly credits to nurses to offset the costs of healthcare premiums, replacing the existing caps at every pay band.
CNA rejected the proposal in full.
Wage Increases: UC provided CNA with a comprehensive $1.1 billion wage proposal, representing a major investment in nurses across the system. Under the terms of the proposal presented on Oct. 1, UC proposed increasing the pay of CNA-represented employees by 27% over five years, as seen below:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||
| ATB | 3.20% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 2.50% | 3% | |
| Step | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | 2% | |
| Lump Sum | 1.80% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0.50% | 0% | |
| Total | 7% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 27% |
In response, CNA submitted an incomplete proposal that omitted the amounts of across-the-board (ATB) increases that the Union would like to receive. When asked when UC could expect a complete wage proposal, CNA has yet to provide a timeline.
The University remains committed to bargaining in good faith and to ensuring nurses receive competitive pay, benefits, and meaningful workplace terms. The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for October 29-30.