University of California Office of the President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Noel Van Nyhuis (510) 287-3356
noel.vannyhuis@ucop.edu

UPTE CALLS FOR UNLAWFUL STRIKE; CONTINUES TO REFUSE MEDIATION

University of California officials announced today (May 17) that the University Professional and Technical Employees union, representing UC's research support and technical employees, informed the university that it plans to conduct an unlawful one-day strike on May 26.

Since March, the union (UPTE) has rejected repeated university suggestions to seek a neutral state mediator to help resolve remaining issues. Because negotiations are ongoing, the university considers the strike plan unlawful.

The university made a revised economic offer to UPTE on April 27, and to date, has received no counter offer from the union. In fact, UPTE has failed to make any additional economic proposals since January.

"It is very troubling that the union would attempt to strike while rejecting every good-faith attempt the university has made to seek mediation to resolve the remaining issues," said Howard Pripas, UC director of labor relations. "It's unfortunate the union has chosen to take this unlawful action just as progress was being made."

Contrary to the union's numerous allegations of bad faith bargaining, the bargaining record, including UC's latest proposals, clearly demonstrates that the university has negotiated in good faith and offered fair proposals.

The university has been bargaining with UPTE on a new contract since May 2004.

The university must now consider filing a complaint with the California Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) against UPTE, and any employee that participates in an unlawful strike could face potential disciplinary action.

Each UC campus and medical center will take appropriate steps to ensure that the strike will not disrupt normal operations.

Members of the UC service workers' union, AFSCME, staged a one-day strike in April. However, less than one third of the service workers participated in the strike with a minimal participation by other UC workers.

For more information about the university's negotiations with UPTE, go to:

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies/labor_relations/bargaining_updates/rx/bargaining_update.html

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