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October 11, 2000   To: The Campus Community From: UC Office of the President, Labor Relations Re: Clerical Bargaining Update Dear Colleagues: In the most recent negotiations between the University of California and the Coalition of University Employees (CUE), the differences between the parties were narrowed to wages and some issues pertaining to background checks. However, the parties were unable to reach a tentative contract agreement. In hopes of resolving these differences as quickly as possible, the University and CUE agreed to obtain the services of an outside mediator, although impasse was not declared. The parties will return to the negotiating table in late October with a mediator. If CUE had agreed to the University's wage offer, all clerical employees - including casual employees - would have received a minimum 8.5% compounded salary increase. In addition, because the University proposed to add a full step to the top of the range this fiscal year, all career employees would be eligible for a merit increase of up to 6 %. The average career employee with a satisfactory performance rating could expect between an 11% to 13.4% compounded salary increase under the University's offer. THE UNIVERSITY'S SALARY OFFER: 10-1-1999-----3.5% across the board range adjustment, retroactive to October 1, 1999 6-1-2000------0.8% across the board range adjustment (formerly IAP funding) 7-1-2000------1% across the board range adjustment 10-1-2000-----3% across the board range adjustment 10-1-2000-----Add 1 step to the top of the range (approximately 4.5% available for merit increases to formerly topped-out employees) 10-1-2000-----Run the campus merit program. All career employees are eligible. The University hopes to make its wage initiative part of a longer-term effort to improve compensation for staff employees, correct market imbalances, and stay competitive in recruiting and retaining staff. Not all of these issues can be resolved in one year or in one budget, but the University is taking a very important step this year. CUE REJECTS THE UNIVERSITY'S OFFER CUE rejected the University's offer at the end of the last day of bargaining, and returned to its August wage proposal. The union's demand for an 11% range adjustment plus full merit increases far exceeds funding available, and does not address merit increases for approximately 33% of clerical employees who are at the maximum of their salary range.  CLERICAL EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE VETERANS DAY The union has agreed with the University's proposal that all campus locations provide Nov. 10, 2000 (Veteran's Day) as a new UC holiday. The holiday has not been provided to clerical staff at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory because the U.S. Department of Energy does not allow more than 12 holidays per year. The UC team in Oakland has been in very close contact with campuses and LBNL during these protracted negotiations.  Faculty, supervisors and managers throughout the system have expressed their deep appreciation for our hard working clerical employees, who keep the University running smoothly. All hope that CUE will soon settle negotiations and thereby enable clerical staff to receive the much-needed salary increases that the University is offering. To read CUE's perspective on the status of bargaining, visit the union's web site.
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