University of California officials today (Aug. 27) announced that UC Riverside and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501 have reached an agreement in which UC Riverside employees in the skilled crafts bargaining unit will participate in the university's furlough/salary reduction program in the same manner as non-unionized employees.

"We very much appreciate the union's recognition of the serious financial challenges confronting the university, and its sense of responsibility in sharing in the sacrifice that all members of the UC community are needing to make given the current financial crisis," said Dwaine B. Duckett, UC vice president for systemwide human resources.

Under the agreement, employees will be subject to the same provisions as other non-represented employees at UC Riverside. Salary increases for members of the bargaining unit will go forward as scheduled on October 1. Increases will apply to the unreduced salary, and then the increased salary will be reduced by the applicable rate. The number of furlough days will not be adjusted due to salary changes throughout the duration of the program.

IUOE, Local 501 represents approximately 100 electricians, metal workers, plumbers, carpenters and other trade employees on the Riverside campus.