Status of negotiations
June 25-26
Negotiations held June 25-26 for Healthcare Professionals, Technical Employees and Researchers contracts
Negotiations for new contracts for healthcare professionals, technical employees, and researchers took place on June 25-26 between the University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE).
In addition to the University’s stated priorities, which include fair pay and quality benefits, supportive working conditions, and efficient, good-faith negotiations, UC has confirmed 18 bargaining sessions with UPTE over the next few months. As is customary for collective bargaining, the two parties will determine mutually agreed-upon meeting locations and times. The University is also open to scheduling times to receive input from members during bargaining.
During the first two sessions of bargaining, UC passed nine proposals and plans to pass many more this summer. In the June 25-26 sessions, proposals included corrective action parameters, meeting access, and grievance procedures. The University values the long-standing partnership with UPTE. UC is committed to putting together proposals that support employees and looks forward to bargaining throughout the rest of the year to reach a fair agreement.
The University proposals are not designed to be a “starting point” but rather reasonable offers that reflect the significance of the services UPTE-represented employees provide.
The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for July 18-19. UC will continue to review the union’s proposals carefully and keep you informed about the negotiation process, our actions, and the reasons behind them.
June 11-13
Bargaining begins for new contracts for Healthcare Professionals, Technical Employees and Researchers
The University of California representatives and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) met on June 11-13 to begin negotiating new collective bargaining agreements for you and your Healthcare Professional, Technical Employee, and Researcher colleagues. We want you to know UC’s priorities and goals for these negotiations.
Our overarching goal is a multi-year agreement reflecting your and your colleagues’ significant contributions to UC. Specific priorities include:
- Fair pay and quality benefits: We are committed to ensuring that you are compensated fairly for your work. We offer comprehensive health and family-friendly benefits.
- Supportive working conditions: Ensuring a safe, respectful, and supportive workplace environment for all employees is a top UC priority.
- Good-faith, efficient negotiations: Negotiations are most successful when both sides come to the table with an open mind, a genuine willingness to listen and be flexible, and a good-faith commitment to productive, respectful negotiations.
- Regular updates: We believe it is important to keep you informed about negotiations throughout the process. We will provide regular bargaining updates and other communications as circumstances warrant.
On June 11-13, UPTE passed articles on revamping the classification series and the hiring process for vacant positions. UC passed ground rules and proposals to revise the dues process, arbitration proceedings, and the agreement.
The University values and maintains a long-standing partnership with UPTE and is committed to negotiating agreements that support our workforce and uphold the institution’s mission. UC will carefully review the union’s proposals, assess costs and feasibility, and consider how the proposals meet the parties’ shared interests. The next scheduled negotiation sessions are June 25-26.
We are committed to making fair proposals that recognize the important services you provide. Our proposals are not meant to be a mere “starting point” but rather reasonable offers that honor our valued employees. Throughout bargaining, we will provide updated information to keep you informed.