University of California Reaches Tentative Agreement On Multiyear Contract for Librarians

UPDATE: Additional Coverage Added April 10, 2019
“New UC Librarian Contract Signals Progress for Union” (via The Bottom Line)

From UC:

The University of California and the University Council-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT) have reached a tentative agreement on a new five-year contract that reflects the important role librarians play in UC’s academic and research missions, UC announced today (March 28).

“The university and UC-AFT worked collaboratively at the bargaining table to reach a contract that is fair to both sides and recognizes our librarians’ contributions and dedication,” said Dwaine B. Duckett, UC’s vice president of systemwide human resources.

Highlights of the new systemwide contract include:

• A 3 percent salary increase, plus market-based increases;
• Annual salary increases effective July 2019 to July 2023;
• Excellent health benefits at the same rates as other UC employees with similar salaries;
• UC’s Retirement Choice Program for newly hired librarians, giving them a choice between UC’s traditional pension plan and a 401(k)-style plan; and
• Annual funding for professional development.

In the coming weeks, union members will vote on the tentative agreement for the more than 350 librarians across the system. Once ratified, the new contract will be in effect through March 2024.

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