The University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union have reached tentative agreement on a two-year contract for research support professionals.

Union ratification is expected to take place between June 4 and 15. The university is expected to approve the tentative agreement next week. Salary increases for 2000-01 will be retroactive to Oct. 1, 2000, and increases for 2001-02 will be effective Oct. 1, 2001. The university is already beginning its processes to provide the wage increases to employees as quickly as possible.

"We are pleased to have reached agreement with the union," said Judith W. Boyette, UC associate vice president for human resources and benefits. "We value the roles played by the research support professionals in academic research and university museums and look forward to continuing a productive, effective working relationship with this group of employees."

For 2000-01, step-based employees will receive a 2.8 percent across-the-board increase, plus a $56-per-month increase and standard merit increases.

Open-range employees will receive 4.3 percent across-the-board increase and a $56-per-month increase. In addition, the bottom and top of the salary structure will be increased by 4 percent and 10 percent, respectively.

For 2001-02, step-based employees will receive a 2 percent across-the-board increase and standard merit increases, if expected budget allocations are provided. Open-range employees will receive a 1.75 percent across-the-board increase, a 1.75 percent funding pool for the regular merit program and 2 percent salary structure increases, if expected budget allocations are provided. If the state budget provides more than or less than the traditional staff salary allocations, the university will negotiate with UPTE over the amount and distribution.

The above wage agreements apply to all UC campuses and medical centers. The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory negotiated a separate wage agreement for 2001-02.

Research support professionals number approximately 3,800 at all nine UC campuses and five medical centers across the state. Job titles include staff research associates, museum scientists, spectroscopists and research associates, among others.

The university continues to negotiate with UPTE over a new contract for technical employees.

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