UC Affirms Commitment to Medical Residents with Comprehensive Economic Package Featuring Multiyear Salary Increases as Bargaining Continues for the CIR-SEIU Unit
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The University of California and the Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR-SEIU) continued bargaining on April 21-22 for the first systemwide contract for approximately 6,300 Medical Residents and Fellows. The bargaining sessions centered on the University’s proposal of multiyear pay increases and a new Resident Enhancement Fund (REF) that consolidates multiple allowances and reimbursements with a single annual payment that residents can use based on their individual needs.
On April 21st, the University presented a comprehensive economic package which included: Childcare, Compensation, Duration, Educational Fund, Electronic Devices, Fatigue Mitigation, Health & Safety, an Immigration Side Letter, Lactation, Lead Work Group, License Reimbursement & Required Training, Meals, Nondiscrimination, Parking, Payroll Deduction, Program Closure, Relocation, Retirement, Travel, and Uniforms. On April 22nd, the University presented a Leaves Package consisting of Leaves of Absence, Personal Time Off, and Sick Leave. The University also passed its Benefits proposal.
UC’s Compensation proposal includes multiyear salary increases of 5% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, 4% in 2028, and 3.5% in 2029, for total compounded wage growth of 18.1% over the life of the agreement, with guaranteed increases across all PGY levels. UC’s REF proposal consolidates funding currently associated with Meals, Educational Fund, Uniforms, and access to the Carrot fertility health care benefit program. The REF approach gives residents the flexibility to utilize these funds at their own discretion. See our REF Fact Sheet for further details.
During the two-day session, the Union passed counterproposals on Childcare, Duration, Education Access, Educational Fund, Electronic Devices, Fatigue Mitigation, Health & Safety, Holidays, Lead Work Group Side Letter, an Immigration Side Letter, Lactation Accommodation, License Reimbursement & Required Training, Meals, Moonlighting, Nondiscrimination in Employment, Parking, Payroll Deduction, Program Closure, Recognition, Relocation Reimbursement, Resident Well-being, Retirement Benefits, Travel, and Uniforms. The parties reached an agreement on the article covering Education Access.
The University is committed to working collaboratively with CIR-SEIU to establish a mutually beneficial agreement as we move from multiple local contracts to a unified, systemwide framework. This approach will bring together varying campus practices, priorities, and existing agreements into a cohesive structure. The current location-specific contracts for Medical Residents are set to expire on June 30, 2026.
The next bargaining session is scheduled to take place on April 28-29.
Learn how contracts are bargained.