Agreement took effect immediately and will run through Oct. 31, 2025
University of California officials announced July 9 that they have agreed with the California Nurses Association on a new three-year contract for the more than 17,000 nurses who work in UC medical and student health facilities. The agreement took effect immediately and will run through Oct. 31, 2025. The prior contract was set to expire this fall.
“We believe this agreement recognizes the dedication, professionalism and quality of our nursing staff, and the extraordinary challenges they have faced for more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Letitia Silas, UC’s executive director of systemwide labor relations. “We send our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to all our nurses for their outstanding service to UC and our communities.”
The agreement reflects UC’s goal of forging more collegial labor-management relations, and UC hopes the success with CNA will serve as a model for negotiations with other unions.
“UC nurses are proud to ratify our new contract with the University,” said Dahlia Tayag, an RN and bargaining team member who works at UC San Diego. “This agreement recognizes and rewards registered nurses for our service and commitment to our patients and communities across the UC system, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Highlights of the agreement include:
Across-the-board salary increases as follows:
- 6 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2023.
- 5 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2024.
- 5 percent wage increase effective January 1, 2025.
One-time recognition payments:
- Career nurses: $3,000 each.
- Per diem nurses who worked 50 percent-time or more: $2,000 each.
- Per diem nurses who worked less than 50 percent-time over the last year: $1,000 each.
Increased paid leave for family care and bonding: Effective January 1, 2023, UC will increase paid leave for family care and bonding from 70 percent to 100 percent for eight (8) weeks. Diversity, equity and inclusion: UC and CNA will form a new system wide labor-management committee to discuss diversity, equity and inclusion.
Workplace health and safety: UC and CNA will form a new system-wide labor-management committee to discuss health and safety issues associated with emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Medical benefits: Nurses will enjoy continued access to health insurance, including a choice of medical plans and dental and vision insurance, with UC covering most of the cost of the monthly premiums.
Retirement benefits: Nurses will continue to be eligible for UC’s retirement benefits.
