In the latest bargaining session Aug. 23-24, UC offered annual wage increases, on top of excellent health and retirement benefits, for the university’s research support and technical employees.
UC’s total compensation proposal includes:
- Market-competitive wages: 2 percent increase after ratification of a new contract, followed by a 2 percent increase a year for the duration of the contract. This wage offer would ensure your salaries remain market competitive.
- Affordable health coverage: Continued access to UC’s broad range of health plans for you and your families at a cost well below the national average. The typical UC research and technical support staff member spends $648 a year for the Kaiser plan — about 12.5 percent of the $5,200 the average American worker pays a year for health benefits.
- Excellent retirement benefits: All current employees will see no change in their retirement benefits. Employees hired after a new contract is ratified will have a choice between a traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-style plan, both of which provide valuable retirement income. (If you would like to learn more, see our fact sheet.)
UC is committed to providing a competitive wage and benefits package that reflects the contributions you and your colleagues make to the university, while balancing fair treatment for all UC employees and UC’s long-term financial health. UPTE’s wage proposal, in our view, is financially unrealistic and seeks a much higher increase than what other UC employees are budgeted to receive and what has been agreed to in recent agreements with other unions.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for Sept. 6-7 at UC Merced.