Contents:
(1) TX/RX Bargaining Begins: What Members Want
(2) Legislative Pressure to Get Raises

(1) TX/RX Bargaining Begins: What Members Want
UPTE members decided on the bargaining priorities of wages, the cost of health benefits and parking/transportation issues. Job security, childcare costs and cheaper access to UC classes were also rated as important.

The UPTE-CWA TX/RX bargaining team submitted a comprehensive proposal to the University on April 1 and expects a response no later than May 3. Bargaining will begin shortly thereafter and will take place on many campuses. Members are encouraged to give feedback and attend all sessions. Regular reports will be issued after every bargaining session. After bargaining starts you can get the reports at: www.upte-cwa.org/bargaining.html

(2) Legislative Pressure to Get Raises
The state budget allocation for our raises has a major influence on how much we can achieve in bargaining, even though three-quarters of our funding does not come from the state. Legislators in Sacramento are drafting up a budget over the next couple months. In the past, UPTE has inserted language in UC's budget to hold them accountable for our raise money. This year we aim to push for as much of an increase in staff wages as possible over as many years as we can get along with measures to hold UC accountable for this money.

Legislators listen to us as voters and as union members. Together we can have influence.

We need your help to:

1. Distribute and help collect the latest information on legislation that affects our work lives.
2. Participate in our legislative campaigns by filling out petitions or postcards on key issues to our lawmakers.
3. Contribute to COPE, UPTE-CWA's legislative PAC which helps to elect and support “labor-friendly” candidates for elected office.

Come learn more and participate. We need your help.

Every campus will be holding legislative meetings in early April. Lunch will be provided.
For your campus meeting location and times see www.upte-cwa.org/lp/