University of California officials announced today (March. 5) that UC has reached an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers union on a labor contract extension for UC's approximately 3,000 lecturers. The university reached a tentative agreement with AFT in mid-December, and received confirmation earlier this week that union members approved the agreement.

"Our lecturers play a critical role in helping UC carry out its instructional mission, and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement that acknowledges their excellent work," said Dwaine Duckett, UC vice president for systemwide human resources. "The university also appreciates deeply the AFT's willingness to craft an agreement that recognizes the current fiscal crisis we're facing."

Key features of the contract include:

• Wages: For 2010-11 fiscal years — participation in the regular UC merit program; across-the-board increases on par with those given to non-represented academics, if any.
• Benefits: Lecturers will continue to enjoy the same excellent medical and retirement benefits provided by UC, and will contribute to monthly premiums and other benefits costs on the same basis as other UC academic employees.
• Duration: The current contract will be extended by one year through July 31, 2011.