Our K4 Skilled Trades Bargaining Team met with UCLA March 9-10 and March 16, to continue contract negotiations. Teamsters Local 2010 Research Analyst Alex Vermie presented economic data, including a market survey, to support our team’s wages proposals. Our Teamsters Bargaining Team proposed a first-year wage increase of 26% and a total of 62% wage increase over a four-year contract term.
Powerful data from our Teamsters market analysis revealed that average UCLA Skilled Trades pay lags behind other skilled trades workers by 16.3% when compared to LADWP, prevailing wage, City of Los Angeles, UC Berkeley, and others. Our Union also proposed that all individual classifications be allotted time to present the case for equity increases after the contract is ratified and across-the-board raises for all are agreed upon.
Our Union team also made clear that we expect the University to cover increases to health insurance, as reflected in our benefits proposal. We pointed out that the cost of health insurance has increased by up to 114% or $3,000 for K4 members over the life of the current contract. When the impact of these steep increases was mentioned, the employer stated their belief that because our members earn more compared to other bargaining units (CX, AFSCME), it is easier for skilled trades workers to take on the added costs. Yet another example of how out-of-touch UCLA management is regarding the high cost of living and working in Southern California.
After Teamsters pushed for this for many years, the University finally agreed to provide incentive pay for members who obtain and maintain specialized certifications beyond the minimum license or certification required for their classification.
Our next bargaining sessions are scheduled for April 6-7, 2026.
“The time for our membership to unite is more important now than ever in order to fight for our goals.”
Jesus Manzo
Bargaining Team Member
On-Campus Housing
Articles proposed by Teamsters:
- Article 1: Recognition
- Article 25: Discipline & Dismissal
- Article 45: Wages
- Appendix B: Side Letter – Equity Review committee
- New article: Paycheck Errors
Articles proposed by UCLA:
- Article 1: Recognition
- Article 25: Discipline & Dismissal
- Article 48: Licenses & Certifications
Articles tentatively agreed to:
- Article 8: Personnel Files
- Article 9: Apprentices
- Article 25: Discipline & Dismissal
- Article 48: Licenses & Certifications
In Solidarity,
Our K4 Skilled Trades Bargaining Team:
Rahsonn McGlothen, Facilities Management
Arturo Alvarez, On-Campus Housing
Jesus Manzo, On-Campus Housing
Lars Petersen, Facilities Management
Brian Rojas, Santa Monica, HK / Ronald Reagan
Bernie Grammatico Antonio, Off-Campus Housing
John Viera, Union Representative
Tanya Akel, Chief Negotiator and Teamsters Local 2010 Field Director
Alex Vermie, Teamsters Local 2010 Research Analyst
