Day 1 Bargaining Update
Jason Rabinowitz kicked off our first bargaining session, stressing that UCI can and should recognize our contributions during the pandemic and provide Skilled Trades Workers with a fair wage increase. He pointed out that:
- UCI had significant reserves before the pandemic and received massive amount of federal stimulus, easing losses from the pandemic.
- UCI is receiving more direct support from the recent American Rescue Plan stimulus than any other UC campus.
- UCI (campus) will receive more than $102 million from the 3 federal stimulus bills to address COVID-19 impacts while the Medical Center is receiving millions of dollars in reimbursements and other support.
- Threats to UCI finances have not come to pass. Student enrollment stayed constant. The Governor’s May Revise (budget proposal) would restore the funding cut from UC starting July 20221 and if approved by the legislature, would give UC a 5% base increase in state support.
Eric Kuder, Lock Shop, Bargaining Team member, points out that even with the positive economic news: “We will need you to step up this year! When the time comes, don’t let the ‘suits’ in the Ivory Tower make the decision about our money for us. We have a fight on our hands. By staying united, we will win a fair increase.”
After Jason outlined the economics, our team got down to business. We handed UCI a proposal to sign off on several NO CHANGE articles. UCI agreed to sign off on six:
- Management Rights
- Unit Work
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Labor Management Relations
- Severability
- Waiver
We are back to the table on June 2, 2021.
Bargaining Team Members
Brian Maloney, Chief Steward
Campus – Eric Kuder, Gabriel Zamora, Martin Hernandez
Med Center – Steve Huerta