OAKLAND — The University of California announced Monday (Oct. 10) that the American Federation of Teachers union has ratified an agreement that provides merit increases for the university's more than 350 librarians.

"We believe this is a fair proposal that rewards librarians for their dedication and hard work, while being mindful of the tough economic climate the university is facing," said Peter Chester, labor relations contract negotiator.

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Participation in the annual academic merit program for 2011-12, for which the librarians, as academic employees, will be eligible just as are all non-student academic employees. Increases would be effective July 1, 2011.
• Participation in a one-time merit-based salary increase program for 2011-12 for non-represented faculty and staff that is tied to their performance evaluation. Increases for the librarians would take effect Oct. 1, 2011.

The university and the union reached a tentative agreement on Sept. 28.

Negotiations began in June and were limited to 2011-12 wages under the terms of the current four-year contract, which runs through Sept. 30, 2012.