VICTORY: New UC Hastings Members Ratify First Contract by 98 Percent
Congratulations- we did it! Newest 3299 members at UC Hastings ratify first union contract!
In the summer of 2009, UC Hastings staff began organizing to join AFSCME 3299 and were officially union recognized as a union in October 2010. Since then, members have been fighting for a fair first contract. Rising benefits costs, a 5 year wage freeze, management favoritism and no chance to advance were major problems that needed to be resolved.
Despite strong opposition from management, members remained strong and developed broad support to achieve these goals. Students, alumni and community members wore buttons, marched on the picket line, passed resolutions and sent letters of support to Hastings administration in support of staff’s struggle. Elected officials from across the state of California joined in fight for a fairer workplace by placing calls and sending letters to the Dean urging him to settle the contract quickly and fairly. Hastings members were also supported by the other brothers and sisters in 3299 throughout the rest of the UC system.
After more than a year of actions, the Hastings United bargaining team reached a tentative agreement on Wednesday, January 18th that includes a strong settlement on our top issues:
- Economic Package: 2.5% Increase on 12/1/11 & 7/1/12 plus an $800 lump sum payment & additional paid days off
- Layoff Process that is based on college wide seniority
- Healthcare & Pension Protections
- Internal Promotions & Reclasses: New rights for staff to move up at Hastings
We also negotiated a fair grievance process, protections against subcontracting, a process to address workload and staffing concerns and much more! Now, the full contract will go to the Hastings United membership to be ratified.
Our perseverance, commitment and dedication has paid off. Together, we ended a 5 year wage freeze, eliminated policies that allowed management to play favorites and made Hastings a fairer place to work.
