University of California officials announced today (Sept.1) that UC will implement its proposed 2005 wage increases for UC nurses, even as the negotiation process continues with the California Nurses Association, the union representing UC nurses. The wage increases will be effective Sept. 1 and will allow UC medical facilities to better recruit and retain qualified nurses in a very competitive market.

After three days of bargaining in Oakland, many key issues have yet to be resolved, prompting UC and the union to jointly request that the Public Employment Relations Board certify that the negotiations are at an impasse and appoint a mediator to assist negotiations.

"We are very happy to be able to give UC nurses these increases immediately as it greatly enhances our ability to recruit and retain qualified RNs," said Howard Pripas, UC executive director of labor relations. "Hopefully the assistance of a mediator will help us resolve our remaining issues and reach a contract agreement for UC nurses as soon as possible."

Along with its offer to implement 2005 increases immediately, UC also proposed a new three-year contract that includes competitive salary increases in each year, as well as an offer to form special committees to address staffing issues.

By tomorrow, Sacramento Superior Court Judge Loren McMaster is expected to issue his final decision on whether to extend the injunction that stopped the CNA strike planned on July 21. The Public Employment Relations Board had asked the court to ensure that the CNA legally follow the collective bargaining process, including mediation and fact-finding, if necessary. PERB issued a complaint against the CNA on July 19 for failing and refusing to bargain in good faith in connection with its planned strike.

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

http://atyourservice.ucop.edu/employees/policies/labor_relations/index.html

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