UPTE Secretary Matthew Stephen: “Our contract platform is a statement of our union’s values and priorities”

Hear UPTE Secretary Matthew Stephen break down our 2024 Contract Platform!

Watch and share on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads

April 1 marks the beginning of an exciting week for University of California workers. We kick off our 2024 Contract Platform vote and Bargaining Team elections. The polls will be open from April 4 through April 18.

"Last year, we had thousands of conversations with UPTE members across their state who made their demands loud and clear; we deserve fair pay, clear pathways to career progression, improved work/life balance, better staffing, and job security. Those are the principles that our 2024 Contract Platform is rooted in," said Matthew Stephen, a Physician Assistant at UCSF and UPTE Chapter Co-Chair.

Contract negotiations are about showing strength in numbers, and we want to start bargaining off from a place of strength. That means UC needs to know that an overwhelming majority of our 18,000 members support these priorities. Strong turnout during our ratification vote will help us send a clear message to management that we're serious.

Over the past several weeks, we've also been collecting nominations from people who want to run for UPTE's bargaining team. Our team will be comprised of 26 members from across the UC system, with seats distributed proportionally among campuses, medical centers, and bargaining units. At some campuses, the number of candidates was equal to the number of seats allocated; in those instances, candidates are considered elected by acclamation.

We will have contested elections for the UCLA research & technical unit seats, the UCSF healthcare seats, and the UC Davis healthcare seats. You can see candidate statements and learn more at upte.org/vote.

"We have a responsibility to provide world-class patient care, research, and education to Californians in every corner of our state—and our employer has a responsibility to make sure we have the support, resources, and staffing to fulfill that tremendous mission," Matt said. "Swing by with a few of your coworkers to vote together and say 'hello!'"

Have you already made a plan to vote and taken the UPTE contract platform pledge? Share this video on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads to help spread the word to coworkers!