Exciting Victory at UPTE-CWA!
Siblings,
I am thrilled to share some fantastic news with you all! Our siblings at the University Professional & Technical Employees (UPTE-CWA) have voted overwhelmingly in favor of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the University of California.
In a remarkable display of solidarity, nearly 12,000 UPTE-CWA members participated in the ratification vote, with an impressive 98% voting in favor. This strong turnout and decisive outcome stand as a testament to the mobilization efforts and unwavering solidarity of our union members.
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Dan Russell and the entire UPTE team for their gallant efforts in securing this significant victory for the membership.
This achievement not only strengthens UPTE-CWA but also serves as inspiration for all of us within the labor movement. Together, we can continue to fight for fair contracts, better working conditions, and the rights of workers everywhere.
In Solidarity,
Frank Arce, Vice President
CWA District 9, AFL-CIO
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 Dear UPTE member,
Nearly 12,000 members participated in our ratification vote, with 98% voting in favor of ratification. Our ratification vote means our new contract terms are effective immediately, with the following timelines: - The UPTE Floating Holiday will be available within 120 days of ratification: we are waiting for UC's confirmation on how soon it will be available for use.
- Combined Pregnancy & Childcaring Leave—we are awaiting UC's response confirming that those who are already on Pregnancy Disability Leave can remain on leave by combining this with the new provisions
- Lump sums for those who were eligible for a January 2025 step but were at the top of their scale will be paid within 120 days
- The following will be processed within 120 days, retroactive to the first full pay period following ratification (November 23rd for bi-weekly pay, December 1 for monthly pay)
- Title specific equity increases
- Step placement for workers in Dietitian 4, BHC/BHPP 1-4, and Optometrist titles
- Adjustment of scales with steps below $25/hr
Today is the final day to make benefit changes via Open Enrollment, but Blue & Gold and Kaiser premiums shown in Open Enrollment continue to be inaccurate for UPTE members. The correct rates are those at upte.org/premiums. Because of this, UC has agreed to give UPTE members who wish to change to a Blue & Gold or Kaiser plan until December 5th to do so—click here for instructions on how to make changes after Open Enrollment closes. |
Our new contract is an important foundation for the work we still have to do—addressing profession and department-specific issues, welcoming workers who work alongside us—but who UC has moved into non-union titles—back into our union, and preparing to take on other issues important to our members, both inside and outside of UC. In 2025 alone, more than 2,000 non-union workers won UPTE representation—with thousands of more working to win representation right now! This work is crucial to building our strength and density for future fights. I hope we all are able to rest and enjoy the beginning of the holiday season with the security that this contract brings us. Congratulations to us all! In solidarity,  | Dan Russell
UPTE President & Chief Negotiator
Business Technology Support Analyst, UC Berkeley |
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