UC proposes 26 percent pay increase for AFSCME workers

The University of California unveiled a proposal today to increase wages for the more than 32,000 workers across the UC system as contract negotiations continue with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) bargaining units.

If the union accepts, the hourly minimum wage for all AFSCME members- not only those covered by new state legislation - will increase to $24 in 2025 and $25 in 2026. These increases represent an average wage increase of 26 percent in both bargaining units. The lowest-paid members will receive an average 47% increase over the life of the five-year contract if approved by the union.

Additionally, each unit member will receive at least a 5% increase in 2025. AFSCME has stated that its interest is for UC to provide its employees with $25/5%. The University is excited that the proposals support the University's employees, the mission, and the union's interests.

The proposals were presented to union leaders and members today at a bargaining session in Berkeley. Negotiations began last month; the two parties convene semi-monthly for good faith bargaining sessions. The contract was last negotiated in 2020, before the start of the COVID-19 global pandemic. If the Union accepts the University's offer, the contracts will expire in 2029.

"While the University is experiencing financial constraints, we are thrilled to be able to offer these significant wage increases to these employees, who bring invaluable support throughout the system," said Missy Matella, associate vice president, Systemwide Employee and Labor Relations for the University of California. "The world has shifted dramatically, and so have the lives of our members. We understand their challenges, particularly the rising cost of living in California. We want to recognize their evolving contributions, value their dedication, and provide an economic proposal that helps address some of the real financial burdens they carry."

By presenting a robust and substantial offer from the outset, the University is intentionally departing from conventional negotiations that treat initial offers as a starting point, Matella said. The University intends this offer as a recognition of the critical work provided by AFSCME-represented employees.

"While we remain committed to good-faith negotiations, we recognize that uncertainty around contract negotiations adds unnecessary stress to our workers," she added. "By presenting robust and meaningful proposals, which are designed to address the union's requests, this early in the bargaining process, we want these members to know that our commitment to them is serious."

The University of California has 15 systemwide bargaining units representing more than 134,000 employees or more than 54 percent of its 246,300 employees. The local AFSCME bargaining unit (3299) represents two employee groups: UC Service workers (SX) and UC Patient Care Technical (EX) employees.

The SX unit is a systemwide bargaining unit of non-supervisory service workers who provide vital custodial, transportation and related essential support services throughout the UC system and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL). Currently, the unit includes approximately 10,641 employees. Their contract expires on Oct. 31, 2024.

The EX-unit, also called PCT, is a systemwide bargaining unit of employees engaged primarily in rendering patient support services at the University's six medical centers, nine student health centers and numerous outpatient clinics throughout the UC system. Currently, the unit includes approximately 21,059 employees. The unit's contract expires on July 31, 2024.

Bargaining with the AFSCME team will continue next month or until an agreement is reached. For more information on the proposals, visit https://www.ucop.edu/afscme/ or https://www.ucop.edu/afscme/espanol/.

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