Labor negotiations
The University of California works closely with nine labor unions representing more than 151,000 UC employees. As we negotiate contracts with several unions, our commitment remains clear: ensuring our union-represented employees receive competitive compensation that reflects their vital contributions to UC’s missions of public service, research and education.
Active negotiations
UC is striving to work with different unions to make sure that UC is a great place for everyone. You can learn about each active labor negotiation taking place at UC, by union, if you open the accordion below.
AFSCME
The American Federation of State, Municipal and County Employees (AFSCME) union represents 37,481 patient care technical and service employees in two bargaining units:
Timeline
Bargaining began in January 2024
Contracts expired on July 31, 2024 (EX) and October 31, 2024 (SX)
UC offers to date
After 16 months of negotiating and bargaining in good faith with AFSCME, reaching an impasse and exhausting the impasse procedures, UC implemented certain terms of its last, best, and final offer (LBFO) in June 2025 for the AFSCME SX and EX bargaining units. Read the latest news about AFSCME.
CNA
The California Nurses Association represents 23,542 registered nurses.
Timeline
Bargaining began in August 2025.
The contract expires October 31, 2025.
UC offers to date
The bargaining process continues with regular meetings, marked by the exchange of thoughtful proposals, even as UC navigates financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty. Review NX bargaining recaps.
CIR-SEIU
The Committee of Interns and Residents (CIR), a local of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), represents 6,288 house staff or medical residents.
Timeline
Bargaining begain in August 2025.
Contracts expired on June 30, 2025.
UC offers to date
The bargaining process continues with regular meetings, marked by the exchange of thoughtful proposals, even as UC navigates financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty. Review MR bargaining recaps.
UAW
The United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) represents 57,000 UC employees across five bargaining units systemwide. Currently, UC is negotiating contracts for both graduate student researchers and academic student employees, and separately, a newly formed student services and advising professionals unit.
BR-BX
UAW represents 33,000 academic student employees and graduate student researchers in two bargaining units:
Timeline
Bargaining began in July 2025.
Contracts expire January 1, 2026
UC offers to date
The bargaining process continues with regular meetings, marked by the exchange of thoughtful proposals, even as UC navigates financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty. Review BR-BX bargaining recaps.
SV
UAW represents 4,875 student services and advising professionals.
Timeline
Bargaining began in July 2025.
UC offers to date
The bargaining process continues with regular meetings, marked by the exchange of thoughtful proposals, even as UC navigates financial constraints and ongoing uncertainty. Review SV bargaining recaps.
UPTE
The University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union represents 19,664 health care professionals, technical, and research support professional employees in three bargaining units:
Timeline
Bargaining began in June 2024
Contracts expired on Oct. 31, 2024
UC offers to date
UC has offered significant across-the-board raises, expanded vacation and sick leave benefits, guaranteed minimum wage increases, and new paid holidays.
UC remains committed to fair contracts that support work-life balance, competitive pay, and career advancement opportunities.