UC and UPTE meet on Aug 28-29 for healthcare professionals, technical employees, and researcher contracts
The University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) met on August 28-29 as talks continued about new contracts for healthcare professionals, technical employees, and researchers.
During the two meetings, UC responded to UPTE proposals with several counterproposals, including language for work week parameters for exempt and non-exempt employees, ensuring union representatives have access to university locations, extending the time allowed to submit online appeals to arbitration, and revisions to the arbitration panel.
Other important items included language on hours of work and remote work provisions. UC and UPTE agreed to remove a side letter requiring the HX unit at UCLA Health to use a paid time off (PTO) system instead of the same sick leave and vacation provisions used by other UPTE units.
In August, UC proposed a significant wage package for all three UPTE-represented units that specifies a three-year contract offering:
- Five percent annual increase effective July 1, 2025
- Three percent annual increase effective July 1, 2026
- Three percent annual increase effective July 1, 2027, contingent on state budget allocation
The University’s proposals are not meant to be a “starting point” but rather represent reasonable offers that acknowledge the value of the services provided by UPTE-represented employees.
The next sessions are scheduled for September 10-11. UC is committed to actively addressing union concerns, thoroughly evaluating their proposals and counterproposals, and informing you about the negotiation process and our actions.