UC Offers an Economic Counterproposal for Professional Librarians on July 29

July 29, 2024

The University met with the UC-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT) on July 29, 2024, and presented a counterproposal economic package as bargaining continues for you and your professional librarian colleagues.

This offer recognizes your expertise and talents as valued University employees. By mutual agreement, the parties extended the original contract several times after it expired on March 31. The most recent extension is set to expire on July 31, 2024. Details of the proposal include:

  • Substantial salary increases: UC's offer includes, on top of its existing merit program, annual increases totaling 17% over a five-year contract for all ranks, as follows:
    • 2024: 5% increase
    • 2025: 3% increase
    • 2026: 3% increase
    • 2027: 3% increase
    • 2028: 3% increase
  • Professional development funds: UC has proposed increasing funding pools for professional development at each location by 20% and significantly increasing a centralized research fund for librarians based in the Office of the President.
  • Removal of bottom salary levels: UC has proposed eliminating the lowest two salary points for the Assistant and Associate Librarian ranks. This will ensure that new hires receive higher starting salaries and support our recruitment and retention of skilled librarians. Consequently, the starting salary at each rank would increase by 5.47%.
  • Long-term stability: A multi-year contract provides guaranteed annual raises and job stability for you and the university.

UC is committed to bargaining in good faith and making fair proposals reflecting librarians' critical services. Our proposals are not designed to be a “starting point” but rather reasonable offers that represent our valued employees. Both parties have passed several proposals across the table and have reached tentative agreements on nine articles so far. The next bargaining session is scheduled for August 5, 2024.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions to achieving the University's education and research objectives, which significantly benefit our students and faculty. Your dedication and expertise are truly appreciated.