BREAKING: The University of California (UC) has successfully reached a contract agreement with the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE), representing 21,000 healthcare, research, and technical professionals. This critical development, announced just moments ago, averts a potentially massive strike that was scheduled for November 17-18, 2023.
The agreement comes after 17 months of negotiations and just three weeks of mediation. Earlier this week, contract talks stalled; however, UPTE approached the mediator to resume discussions, leading to this significant breakthrough. Without this resolution, the strike would have been the largest labor action in UC history, with over 60,000 supporters from allied unions, including AFSCME 3299 and the California Nurses Association, poised to join.
Prior to this agreement, UPTE workers highlighted urgent issues, demanding increased investments from UC to address a staffing crisis that jeopardizes patient care and student services within the UC system. “The finalized agreement reflects the university’s enduring commitment and UPTE’s advocacy for our employees who play critical roles across the University,” stated a joint release from UC and UPTE.
UPTE President and Chief Negotiator Dan Russell declared the deal a “hard-won victory” for the union’s members, emphasizing its positive impact on millions of UC patients and students, as well as the global community benefiting from UC’s innovative research. He expressed solidarity with AFSCME and CNA members who are still fighting for their own agreements.
Meredith Turner, UC’s Senior Vice President of External Relations and Communications, praised the agreement as a product of “constructive dialogue” and a mutual commitment to financial responsibility in these uncertain times. Earlier, she expressed disappointment over the potential strike but maintained that UC had been bargaining in good faith, offering substantial improvements and fair working conditions.
Details of the tentative contract are expected to be released next week, pending a ratification vote by union members. UPTE has rescinded its strike notice, signaling a move toward stability within the UC system at a time of heightened tensions.
This agreement not only averts immediate disruption but also highlights the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices across the education and healthcare sectors. As the situation develops, the focus will shift to the ratification process and the next steps for AFSCME and CNA members still seeking similar agreements.
Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story and its implications for the UC community and beyond.
