After six weeks of bargaining, the University of California and the Federated University Police Officer Association ratified a new employment contract on Nov. 21.
Guardian
FUPOA is a union for the university’s police department and represents more than 200 UC police officers.
At the negotiations, wages were the central issue of discussion. The new contract will provide UC police officers with a 1.5-percent general salary increase, effective Oct. 1. The contract will also provide campus-specific increases as a response to local market conditions.
“”UC police officers do a tremendous job for the entire university community, and we’re very happy to have reached an agreement that we believe recognizes their quality service,”” said Judith W. Boyette, associate vice president for human resources and benefits at the University of California.
According to Dan Wyman, a labor relations specialist at UCSD, there were also “”a couple of small language changes made to the agreement.””
According to UC officials, the speedy negotiation process was due to the willingness to cooperate and a spirit of collaboration on both sides.
A spokesperson from FUPOA was not available for comment.
“”We greatly appreciate the professionalism that the union’s chief negotiator and campus representatives brought to each bargaining session and their commitment to resolving differences collaboratively,”” said Peter M. Chester, the university’s chief negotiator.
The new contract will be in effect until Sept. 30, 2005, when it will be fully renegotiated. The contract will be closed on all issues until that time, with the exception of wages and a few other items, which will be negotiated once each following year.
“”Each year, the parties have a right to negotiate on wages,”” Wyman said.
UC officials and police officers alike are satisfied with both the successful negotiation process and the new contract.
“”I’m glad that the university took the time to sit down with us and work out a deal,”” said John Smart, a UC police officer. “”It shows their concern about public safety on campus, and I hope we have more positive agreements in the future.””
