Union Reaches Deal With UC System On Labor Contract

OAKLAND (CBS/AP) -- A union representing nearly 15,000 researchers, technical employees and health care professionals for the University of California has reached a tentative deal on their contract with the system.

The University Professional & Technical Employees union called the deal historic in a statement released Sunday. Workers at UC's 10 campuses and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will vote on it this week.

The proposed four-year contract includes cost-of-living increases of 11.5 to 13 percent, in addition to regular step increases.

Workers would contribute an additional 1 percent to the pension plan to maintain it as is.

UC spokeswoman Shelly Meron called the agreement fair and the result of two years of hard work.

Union workers include clinical lab scientists, social workers, pharmacists, staff research associates, computer resource specialists, editors and writers.

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