2006

The HX Bargaining team just met at China Basin in San Francisco . Although we had a 4 day session little progress was made. We continued to work on some unfinished articles, such as Holiday Leave, Shift Differential, Sick and Vacation Leave, and Out of Class Assignments. But, no actual articles got TA'd (tentatively agreed to). We continue to work with our attorneys on language for the Reasonable Accommodation article.

We have been waiting for a serious compensation proposal from UC. Late on the third day of bargaining we got a very sketchy salary proposal from them. It was both incomplete and had many inaccuracies. We are hopeful that when we bargain again the end of November that we will get a proposal we can really look at and consider.

Bargaining this time included a tour of the Clinical Labs at China Basin . Both sides appreciated the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the Clinical Laboratory Scientists we observed. We also had a presentation by Stu Heard, the director of UCSF's Poison Control Center . Although he was invited to speak by UC, he helped make our argument – that the Senior Pharmacists who work for the Poison Control Centers provide an invaluable service. They are specially trained and work 24/7 to answer any and all questions and provide advice to patients, doctors and others who need immediate answers to potential and real emergencies. These pharmacists are now earning less than a fresh out-of-school pharmacist makes at your local Walgreens . The HX bargaining team will continue to work to ensure that these hard working pharmacists, and the other UC pharmacists, are adequately compensated. We bargain next in LA the week of November 27 - 30.

Now is the time to step up and let UC know how you feel about being short staffed and overworked because their salaries cannot recruit new employees to work for UC. To tell them you want to be compensated at the market rate and for all your years of experience. UPTE is planning Speak Outs at each campus for just this purpose. Contact your local president or bargaining team member for more information.

Your Bargaining Team,

Bob Dawson (BK), Wendi Felson (SF), Larry Freed (IR), Sue McCormick (DV),
Sheila Stittiams (SD), Ellen West (CWA Dist 9), Cindy Yuge (LA)