UC Reaches Tentative Deal With Health Care, Technical Workers Union

The University of California reached a tentative contract agreement Saturday with the union representing thousands of research associates, lab assistants and health care professionals, leading union officials to cancel their strike notice.

"The University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees union have reached a contractual agreement after 17 months of bargaining and three weeks of mediation," according to a joint statement released Saturday morning.

"After talks broke down earlier this week, UPTE approached the mediator to re-engage with UC. ... This outcome was the result of constructive dialogue and a shared commitment to finding common ground while maintaining financial responsibility in uncertain times.

"Both parties acknowledge and appreciate the collaborative spirit that allowed us to move forward and reach a resolution that supports our valuable employees and the University of California's mission of excellence," the statement added.

"After being brought back together by our mediator, UPTE and UC reached a tentative agreement early this morning after another marathon mediation session," the UPTE said on its website. "We have rescinded our strike notice, pending membership ratification. Details about the agreement and a timeline for ratification will be released shortly. Congratulations to all of our members, leaders, and allies who made this possible!"

The union had previously complained that UC officials were spending billions of dollars on new projects while laying off hospital staff.

— City News Service