Collage of images showing health care and service workers

UC offers significant pay increases for AFSCME-represented employees

The lowest-paid employees in these units receive the largest increases
UC has proposed that all positions go up to $23.00 in 2024 and $24.00 in 2025, which means an overall hourly wage increase in the first year of a new contract of 26.6% for a Food Service Worker, 20.5% for a Hospital Assistant, and 18.5% for Groundskeepers and Patient Escorts. Effectively, the lowest-paid employees in these units receive the largest increases.UC has proposed that all positions go up to $23.00 in 2024 and $24.00 in 2025, which means an overall hourly wage increase in the first year of a new contract of 26.6% for a Food Service Worker, 20.5% for a Hospital Assistant, and 18.5% for Groundskeepers and Patient Escorts

UC’s 4-year proposal offers substantial compensation increases each year
The proposal means significant overall increases across four years: 39.6% for a Food Service Worker, 32.9% for a Hospital Assistant, and 30.7% for Groundskeepers and Patient Escorts.  UC has proposed that all positions go up to $23.00 in 2024 and $24.00 in 2025, which means an overall hourly wage increase in the first year of a new contract of 26.6% for a Food Service Worker, 20.5% for a Hospital Assistant, and 18.5% for Groundskeepers and Patient Escorts

 More about the proposed pay increases:

  • If approved by the union, UC's proposals would establish a minimum wage of $24/hour, increasing pay for the lowest-paid AFSCME members and keeping pay for all AFSCME-represented employees competitive.
  • Members of both bargaining units will receive an average wage increase of 26% in both bargaining units (individual increases may vary) throughout the new contract.
  • The lowest-paid AFSCME-represented employees will receive an average 47% increase over the life of the four-year contract if approved.
  • Service unit members covered by the new state law will see their pay increase to $23/hour on June 1, 2024, and a step increase, if eligible, for a total 5% increase in the first year.
  • Pay for all Patient Care Technical unit members will be raised to $23/hour as of June 1, and they will also receive a 2% step increase (if eligible) in July.
  • In April 2025, bargaining unit members for whom the adjustment to $24/hr is less than a five percent increase will receive an increase inclusive of their base hourly rate that adds up to five percent (5%).

Read the full details in the latest bargaining updates 


Status of Negotiations: May 6-7

UC contract negotiations with AFSCME for Patient Care Technical and Service employees continue

The University of California and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Union (AFSCME) met on May 6-7 to continue discussing new Patient Care Technical and Service employee contracts. Over the two days, UC presented counter-proposals on position appointments, per diem parameters, and articles governing the duration of agreements and holiday schedules for both Patient Care Technical and Service units. UC also responded to AFSCME proposals regarding systemwide grievance procedures for both units.

As negotiations proceed, UC will review the union's proposals, assess the costs and feasibility of the terms, and consider how they could serve the parties’ shared interests. From January to May, UC and the union have exchanged proposals on 26 topics, including the February 22 economic offer passed by UC that proposed significant pay increases for AFSCME-represented employees. The next negotiating sessions are scheduled for May 20 and 21.