News-in-Brief: UPTE union contract reached

UC officials announced yesterday that they’ve reached an agreement with the University Professional and Technical Employees union (UPTE) on a new labor contract.

UPTE is comprised of roughly 2,800 health care professional employees. Negotiations began in May 2009, and a tentative agreement was reached on Sept. 29, 2010.

Highlights of the agreement include wage step increases of approximately 2 percent, continued medical benefits with UPTE contributions to monthly premiums and increased employee contributions of 1.5 percent to the UC Retirement Plan starting July 1, 2011. The contract is extended through Dec. 31, 2011.

– Janelle Bitker