"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 John Cammidge, UC interim associate vice president for human resources and benefits.
As with most negotiations, wages were a central issue in the contract talks. The new contract provides for general salary increases ranging from 2 to 8 percent effective Oct. 1, 2008, depending upon the campus and local market conditions. The contract also provides UC police officers the same health and retirement benefits as other UC employees.
UC officials said contract talks were concluded expeditiously due to the collaborative approach and good will that both sides brought to the negotiations.
"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 Chester, UC's chief negotiator. "That kind of cooperation and partnership makes a big difference."
Pending ratification by union members, the new comprehensive contract will be in effect until Sept. 30, 2011. As is customary, the contract will be closed on all issues except wages and a few select items, which the parties will revisit once each year until the full contract is renegotiated in 2011.