UC-AFT secures contract agreement for Professional Librarians with UC
Members of UC-AFT host a rally at UCLA. After months of negotiation, the union reached a new contract agreement with the UC that includes higher wages and additional benefits. (Daily Bruin file photo)
By Christopher Buchanan
Oct. 2, 2024 6:10 p.m.
After months of negotiation, librarians have a new contract with the UC for higher wages and additional benefits.
The UC announced Tuesday that it agreed to contract changes for librarians after 11 months of bargaining with the University Council-American Federation of Teachers – a union representing UC librarians and non-tenured faculty members. Librarians will receive flexible remote and hybrid work options, an annual $1,250 professional development allowance and scaled salaries for both represented and non-represented librarians.
According to a press release from UC-AFT, budget cuts over the last few decades have created staff shortages, service reductions and closures.
“From our first bargaining session one year ago, we made it clear to the university that our members deserve professional recognition and compensation for all of the work they do to advance scholarship, research, and teaching at our university,” said Kendra K. Levine, lead negotiator for UC-AFT, in the press release.
The contract also guarantees that, after salary scales for represented and non-represented librarians are aligned in its first year, salaries will increase at 3.5% for the first two years and 3% for the final two years, according to the announcement. In addition to the raises, librarians can expect a one-time $2000 payment once the contract is ratified. Other benefits include a 45% increase to research funds, according to the UC-AFT press release.
Matt Teaford, executive director of systemwide labor relations for the UC, said in an announcement of the contract that it is evidence of the system’s commitment to fair labor practices and to UC librarians.
“Both teams demonstrated the willingness to listen to and acknowledge the interests behind the bargaining proposals and to find common ground where possible to complete a successful contract negotiation,” Teaford said in the announcement.
The new contract will remain active until Jan. 1, 2029.