UPDATE: The University of California has just announced a critical contract agreement with the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), averting a potentially massive strike that was set for November 17 and 18, 2023. This deal, reached after 17 months of negotiations, involves 21,000 healthcare, research, and technical professionals across the UC system.
The agreement comes after intense mediation efforts spanning three weeks, following a breakdown in talks earlier this week. UPTE initially planned to strike with the support of over 60,000 additional union members from AFSCME 3299 and the California Nurses Association, which would have marked the largest labor strike in UC history.
This tentative contract addresses critical issues raised by UPTE, including demands for improved retention, pay, and safe working conditions amidst a staffing crisis that the union said “threatens patient care, student services, and the research mission” of the UC system.
In a joint statement, both UC and UPTE expressed satisfaction with the agreement, highlighting the collaborative spirit that facilitated this resolution. “The finalized agreement reflects the university’s enduring commitment and UPTE’s advocacy for our employees who play critical roles across the University,” they stated.
UPTE President and Chief Negotiator Dan Russell described the agreement as a “hard-won victory” for the union members, emphasizing its benefits for millions of UC patients and students, as well as the global community that relies on UC’s innovative research.
Meredith Turner, UC’s Senior Vice President of External Relations and Communications, acknowledged that the agreement stemmed from constructive dialogue and a commitment to financial responsibility. She previously expressed disappointment over the strike threat, stating that UC had been bargaining in good faith and had offered “real improvements, meaningful raises, strong benefits, and fair working conditions.”
This agreement now goes to UPTE members for ratification. Meanwhile, UPTE has rescinded its strike notice, signaling a pause in labor action as they await membership approval.
As this situation unfolds, the focus will shift to how this agreement impacts the wider UC community and whether similar resolutions can be reached for other unions involved in ongoing negotiations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
