University of California resumes contract negotiations with employee union

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Contract negotiations have begun again between the Union of Professional and Technical Employees CWA Local 9119 (UPTE) and the University of California (UC).¹ Bargaining for new contracts began on June 10, with existing contracts with healthcare professionals set to expire on September 30 and October 31, according to a UC news release.

“We’re excited to partner with UPTE to reach agreements that give well-deserved recognition to the important work these professionals do in advancing the University of California’s mission,” said Missy Matella, associate vice president for Systemwide Employee and Labor Relations for UC, in the release.

UC has passed 9 proposals for healthcare, research support, and technical professionals for UPTE’s review during the first 2 bargaining sessions. UC introduced proposals on corrective action parameters, meeting access, and grievance procedures during the week of June 29.¹

Negotiations for the following contract, or successor bargaining, are expected to continue through the end of 2024, according to the release. During each session, UC or UPTE will introduce proposals and counter-proposals in order to work toward tentative agreements for each of the contracts’ 40-50 clauses.¹

These negotiations and bargaining sessions follow a strike held by UC optometrists in early February this year. UPTE cited “bad-faith” bargaining practices upheld by UC.²

References:

1. UPTE contract negotiations begin for UC employees. News release. University of California. Accessed July 1, 2024.

2. Joy J. UC optometrists strike over “bad-faith” bargaining practices, protest low salaries. Optometry Times. February 8, 2024. Accessed July 1, 2024. https://www.optometrytimes.com/view/uc-optometrists-strike-over-bad-faith-bargaining-practices-protest-low-salaries