UC plans for paycuts/furloughs by UC-AFT Executive Director Karen Sawislak

To UC-AFT-represented employees:

You likely have seen President Yudof's message of June 17 announcing that he will ask the Regents to declare a Fiscal Emergency in July, and outlining three proposed methods for pay reductions and furloughs to achieve an 8% savings starting in August 2009.

Please be aware that the Union that represents you has also received this message.  I write today to clarify your status as UC-AFT-represented employees.

Lecturers -- Unit 18

In the case of lecturers, the contract is closed, and the University understands that it will have to bargain any changes to the existing salary article.  UC cannot unilaterally overthrow the contract that is in force.

Indeed, it is our view that UC-AFT is not obligated to reopen bargaining over salary. In Article 37.E. of our MOU, both the union and the University have unqualifiedly waived the right and obligation to bargain during the life of the MOU, "even though such subject or matter may not have been within the knowledge or contemplation of either or both of the parties at the time they negotiated or signed the MOU."

Article 21 of our Lecturer MOU provides for a salary increase effective October 1 2009 (as well as the second phase of last year's one-time increase for long-term continuing appointees, which will be effective July 1).  In addition, UC must continue to provide merit increases that are effective July 1. 

If and/or when the University issues a demand to bargain, the Union will consult with its members about how to proceed.   

Librarians -- Unit 17

In the case of librarians, the Salary article is currently open.  The negotiations are in mediation, which is the first step of the statutory impasse procedure. The Bargaining Committee will be meeting this weekend to consider strategies for response.

Please be aware that the University cannot impose a pay cut while negotiations are still in progress.  Until a final impasse has been reached, the current contract language on salary is still in force.  Those librarians due to receive merit increases will see them implemented effective July 1.

Other articles in the librarian contract that may impact the ability of the University to implement furloughs are closed, and the union is not obligated to reopen bargaining on these subjects.  If the University demands to bargain over these subjects, we will consult with our members about how to proceed.

General Issues

It is our position that the University has not yet demonstrated a fiscal emergency. While dramatic cuts are coming in state funding, UC remains a very wealthy institution. For more information, please see the Q & A prepared by UC-AFT President Bob Samuels:

The Budget and How It Affects You: Separating Truth from Fiction

Moreover, we object to the principle of a large pay cut applied uniformly, except at the very bottom of the salary scale.  In the event that such cuts are implemented for employees, we would like to see a more progressive approach, so that those who are paid at the highest levels take a greater percentage cut. We have already conveyed this sentiment to the Office of the President.

UC-AFT is fully aware of these issues and is working with UCOP to ensure that existing contracts and the collective bargaining process are respected. We will update you frequently as new developments arise.

If you have any questions, please contact me at ksawislak@cft.org.

Karen Sawislak
Executive Director
UC-AFT