The University of California and the University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union have reached a contractual agreement after 17 months of bargaining and three weeks of mediation. After talks broke down earlier this week, UPTE approached the mediator to re-engage with UC. 

UPTE, CNA, and AFSCME’s announcement of a coordinated two-day systemwide strike is an attempt to pressure the University into accepting unreasonable wage and benefit demands that would put UC in a financially precarious position and jeopardize its mission of teaching, research and public service. We are disappointed that union leaders have chosen this path after months of effort and repeated progress at the bargaining table. 

The University of California strongly disagrees with UPTE’s decision to call a strike on November 17 and 18 — an action that will disrupt students, patients, and the vital research that benefits communities across California. This strike is both unnecessary and irresponsible, particularly after UC made every effort over 17 months of bargaining and three weeks of intensive mediation to reach a fair and competitive agreement.  

As required by the court, the University has released a copy of the proposed settlement agreement sent by the Department of Justice to the University on August 8, 2025. UC has been clear it must evaluate its response to the administration’s settlement proposal that, like all settlement communications, is confidential. As stated previously, the proposed $1.2 billion settlement payment alone would derail work that saves lives, grows our economy, and fortifies our national security.