2006

The UPTE HX bargaining team met all week (December 11 – 15 th ) with the UC representatives on a comprehensive package proposal for settlement of our expired contract. Although the agreement included a 5 year wage package, the Healthcare unit members would have no recourse on increases to healthcare benefit costs or future pension contributions. We would be required to give up the Right to Strike for 5 years. This could mean that while our brothers and sisters in the TX and RX unit, along with the other UC Union Coalition members, might be striking over our benefits contributions, the HX unit members would be expected to cross the picket line and go to work. Our only leverage against the rising costs of health care and pensions contributions is our ability to withhold our labor. We cannot give up this basic right.

Please join our RX/TX union members and the Union Coalition to send a message to the University CEO's, President Dynes, the Regents, and the media. The HX Healthcare professionals will not be held hostage with the promise of wages, and no other benefit protection. We need to stand with the rest of the University unions and employees.

We demand immediately that:

• the HX unit to bargain benefits as part of the University Coalition

• a contract that is not contingent on giving up the fundamental right to strike

• the HX unit not be made the guinea pig for the rest of the university employees

Don't be “ Scrooged ” by the University

The HX unit bargaining team meets with the University again in January, 2007. Let's spend this time making our voices heard loud and clear. What they are offering is unfair and unacceptable. Mobilization and action plans are being made now to take on this fight. Contact your local union representative or bargainer for more information on what you can do.

Your HX 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)