The University of California announced today (July 13) that it has reached agreement with the Federated University Police Officers Association on a new contract for UC's 249 police officers.

Mindful of the economic challenges facing UC, the parties agreed to extend the current contract with a few changes:

• The agreement will be effective from July 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012, and will continue year to year unless UC or the police union give written notice within 60 calendar days immediately before Sept. 30, 2012 or any anniversary that follows.
• Starting July 1, 2011, police officers who have been at the top steps for at least one year will receive a monthly payment of $100 for 15 months. The payment is temporary and will not affect salary. Officers who are currently at a top step and move up a step in the pay scale due to longevity will stop receiving the monthly payment.
• Police officers will pay 2012 health premium rates starting in January 2012.
• Police officers will make contributions to the UC Retirement Plan at the same level as other UC employees.

The agreement does not include new wage increases. Police officers will continue to progress through the steps in the pay scale based on years of service and eligibility, as outlined under the current contract.

Contract talks concluded quickly due to the collaborative approach and good will that both sides brought to the negotiations, UC officials said.

The union ratified the contract on July 8.