University of California officials today (July 9) announced they have collaborated with the California Nurses Association on a new three-year contract for the more than 17,000 nurses who work in UC medical and student health facilities. The agreement takes effect immediately and will run through Oct. 31, 2025. The prior contract was set to expire this fall.
“We believe this agreement recognizes the dedication, professionalism and quality of our nursing staff, and the extraordinary challenges they have faced for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Letitia Silas, UC’s executive director of systemwide labor relations. “We send our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all our nurses for their outstanding service to UC and our communities.”
"This agreement also shows that successful contract negotiations can be collaborative and mutually respectful, and we thank CNA for its partnership,” Silas added.
The agreement reflects UC’s goal of forging more collegial labor-management relations, and UC hopes the success with CNA will serve as a model for negotiations with other unions.
Highlights of the agreement include:
Compensation
Across-the-board salary increases as follows:
- 6 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2023.
- 5 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2024.
- 5 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2025.
One-time recognition payments:
- Career nurses: $3,000 each.
- Per diem nurses who worked 50 percent-time or more: $2,000 each.
- Per diem nurses who worked less than 50 percent-time over the last year: $1,000 each.
Increased paid leave for family care and bonding: Effective January 1, 2023, UC will increase paid leave for family care and bonding from 70 percent to 100 percent for eight (8) weeks.
Diversity, equity and inclusion: UC and CNA will form a new systemwide labor-management committee to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion.
Workplace health and safety: UC and CNA will form a new systemwide labor-management committee to discuss health and safety issues associated with emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Medical benefits: Nurses will enjoy continued access to excellent health insurance, including a choice of medical plans and dental and vision insurance, with UC covering most of the cost of the monthly premiums.
Retirement benefits: Nurses will continue to be eligible for UC's excellent retirement benefits.
Full contract details soon will be available here.