UPTE Rejects UC’s Proposal for Increased Wages, Medical Insurance Premium Credits

The University of California presented a new package of proposals to the University Professional Technical Employees (UPTE) union, aimed at resolving ongoing contract issues.  Negotiations with the union, which represents nearly 20,000 health care, research, and technical employees across the UC system, began in June 2024.
 
Despite UPTE’s request to return to the bargaining table, they failed to provide a substantive response to UC’s latest wage proposal. UC presented a new economic proposal to demonstrate to its UPTE-represented team members that the University values their contributions and dedicated service. UPTE rejected the University’s proposal and did not offer a counterproposal. UPTE also declined the University’s invitation to schedule additional bargaining dates.

UC has demonstrated a strong commitment to reaching an agreement, offering employees immediate wage increases and healthcare premium credits, and finalizing the proposed three-year contracts, as outlined below.

Wage proposal

• Year 1 – 5% or $25/hour
• Year 2 – 4%
• Year 3 – 3%

Due to federal oversight and administration, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory wage increases are subject to merit rules. UC has proposed the following wage increases for the 262 eligible UPTE-represented employees who work at that location as follows: 
Year 1 = 6%, Year 2 = 5%, Year 3 = 4%

• UC has also proposed step increases in January 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028 for HX, and step increases for RX/TX in January 2025, 2027, and 2028
• The total of wage and step increases proposed by the University would raise some UPTE members’ pay by 20% by November 2028. 
• The University’s package includes proposed wage scale adjustments for Physician Assistants to align their pay with that of Nurse Practitioners.

Guaranteed Vacation, Streamlined Reclassification
UC has proposed new rules that guarantee employees can take vacation time by protecting them from losing vacation time due to circumstances beyond their control. The University has also proposed streamlined and clarified processes for reclassifications.

Medical Insurance Cost Credits
To help reduce healthcare costs, UC also proposed medical insurance premium credits of up to $125 monthly for UPTE-represented employees. 

Fiscal Uncertainty Impacts Bargaining
Like higher education institutions nationwide, the University of California faces financial uncertainty following federal funding actions. During these uncertain times, UC aims to offer proposals and agreements that support and advance the University’s teaching and research mission while balancing the concerns of employees and the union. UC values your contributions and expertise. Thank you for all you do to support our students and faculty, and for your numerous contributions to our instructional mission and the UC community.