April 14, 2010

To:       UCSC Managers and Supervisors
Fr:        Staff Human Resources
           

Re:       Campus Briefings for the UPTE (RX/TX) Contract Agreement

The University of California has reached a five-year agreement with the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union for UC’s approximately 9,000 research and technical employees, which include staff research associates, museum scientists, health and safety technicians, laboratory assistants and computer resource specialists. At our campus, we employ approximately 200 research and technical (RX/TX) employees. The contract will be effective through June 30, 2013.

It is our pleasure to invite managers and supervisors to attend a briefing session to discuss key features and other revisions to the UPTE contract agreement. It is not necessary to pre-register for these sessions.

Briefing sessions are scheduled for the following dates/locations/times:

• April 23, 2010     Soc Sci 1 Rm #261      9:30-11:00 a.m.
• April 29, 2010     SHR Training Room      9:30-11:00 a.m.

Key features of the contract include:

Wages:

• For 2008-09 and 2009-10 fiscal years: no wage increases;
• For 2010-11: a one-time lump sum payment, a 2.5 percent across-the-board wage increase and a one step increase. There will be 0.5 percent available for equity increases (any unspent funds will be rolled into subsequent across-the-board increases).
• For 2011-12 and 2012-13: a 3 percent across-the-board wage increase and a one step increase.

Medical benefits: Effective with the agreement, research and technical employees will contribute to monthly premiums and other benefits costs on the same basis as other UC employees. The parties agree to negotiate any monthly premium cost increases over 18 percent for three consecutive years and any substantial structural changes in UC’s medical benefits.

Pension benefits: The union agrees to UC’s resumption of contributions to its pension plan this spring. Contributions will begin with a 2 percent redirection of employee funds currently going into UC’s defined contribution plan, this will be followed by an additional 1 percent employee contribution in 2011 and 2012, as required of other staff employees, and if UC contributes at least as much. Any reductions in pension benefits must be negotiated.

Health and safety: The agreement includes new language that emphasizes UC’s commitment to ensuring a safe work environment, and requires employees to report any concerns regarding workplace safety.

We look forward to seeing you at one of the briefing sessions listed above. If you have any questions, please contact your Senior HR Partner.

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