University of California Reaches Agreement with 21,000 Workers

The University of California (UC) has successfully negotiated a contract with the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), representing approximately 21,000 healthcare, research, and technical professionals across its campuses. This agreement, announced on Saturday, effectively averts a planned strike that was set for November 17 and 18, 2023.

Following 17 months of negotiations, the two parties entered mediation for three weeks after talks stalled earlier this week. UC stated that UPTE had requested to return to mediation, which led to the breakthrough. The planned strike would have involved support from over 60,000 members of two additional unions: AFSCME 3299 and the California Nurses Association (CNA). The strike was projected to be the largest in UC history, with AFSCME 3299 representing various essential staff including patient care technical workers, custodians, and food service employees.

Details of the tentative agreement, which must be ratified by union members, will be released next week. Prior to the agreement, UPTE workers were advocating for increased investment from UC to address pressing issues such as pay, retention, and safe working conditions amid claims of a staffing crisis that jeopardizes patient care and student services.

In a joint statement, UC and UPTE acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the resolution. “The finalized agreement reflects the university’s enduring commitment and UPTE’s advocacy for our employees who play critical roles across the University,” the statement read.

Dan Russell, UPTE president and chief negotiator, characterized the agreement as a “hard-won victory” for the employees and emphasized its positive impact on millions reliant on UC’s services and research. He expressed solidarity with AFSCME and CNA members as they pursue similar agreements.

Meredith Turner, UC’s senior vice president of external relations and communications, highlighted that the agreement was achieved through “constructive dialogue” and a mutual commitment to maintain fiscal responsibility during uncertain times. Earlier, she had expressed disappointment over the potential strike, insisting that UC had been bargaining in good faith and offering substantial improvements in pay and working conditions.

This agreement marks a significant step in labor relations within the University of California system, reflecting the ongoing challenges and negotiations that define the relationship between the university and its workforce. As the details of the contract are finalized and shared, both parties aim to foster an environment that supports the essential roles of employees while advancing the university’s mission.