Following negotiations with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees on Feb. 22, the University of California proposed a 26% increase in wages for more than 32,000 union workers across the UC system. If the union accepts the proposal, all AFSCME members can expect an increase in hourly minimum wage to $24 in 2025, with the lowest paid union members receiving an average 47% increase through the full duration of the five-year contract. Individual pay increases will vary, so a Hospital Assistant may receive a 17.3% discount so their $20.46 hourly wage increases to $24.00 an hour. Contract negotiations are still underway with the AFSCME bargaining units. 

AFSCME 3299 represents two employee groups including UC Service workers, with about 10,641 employees, and UC Patient Care Technical employees, with about 21,059 employees. The SX bargaining unit comprises workers who provide essential custodial, transportation, and other related services throughout the UC system. The EX unit is a bargaining unit that focuses on providing patient support services at numerous medical and health centers, as well as clinics, throughout the UC system. AFSCME 3299 has held rallies across several UC campuses to voice their demands for contract modification.

Worker contracts were last modified prior to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and the newest proposals were presented to union leaders at a bargaining session at UC Berkeley on Feb. 22. Negotiations commenced in January, with bargaining sessions taking place twice a month. With this proposal, the UC system intends to recognize the exceptional work that AFSCME employees provide.

“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,” said UC Associate Vice President Missy Matella. “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.” 

Matella explains the proposal’s intended impact if accepted by the union.

“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.”

The UC Office of the President proposes that Patient Care Technical employees and service workers covered by the new state law can expect their pay to increase to $23 an hour on June 1, 2024. If eligible, Patient Care Technical employees will also receive a 2% step increase in July.