UCSB electronics technicians win up to 7% in equity increases

Behind the academic achievements and vibrant campus life lies an essential yet often hidden workforce in the heart of campuses across the University of California system. Among this group of workers is Andrew Fugman, a Principal Electronics Technician at UC Santa Barbara, whose story showcases determination and the steps to win material improvements to working conditions.

"Our primary role in Life Safety Services is to test, maintain, repair, and sometimes install new fire systems in buildings on campus just to maintain campus safety standards," Andrew said.

However, beneath this dedication lies a challenging reality—a battle for equity, recognition, and fair compensation in one of California's priciest places. "We discovered here that we were not only below the market but mostly behind every other UC campus," explained Andrew. "Santa Barbara is such an expensive place to live. The closest I can afford to live to campus is about sixty miles, so I drive at least ten hours weekly to get to and from work."

Andrew and his colleagues compiled evidence to back their arguments up, including contacting vendors for comparative pay data before engaging with the University's administration. From drafting letters of equity to engaging the campus community, the Electronics Technicians sent a message about the value of their work and the necessity for fair compensation.

"We worked on flyer materials that went beyond equity issues for us," expressed Andrew. "We emphasized in our messaging how our work directly connects to campus safety, staff safety, and, above all, student safety. We handed out the flyers in high-profile, high-foot-traffic areas across campus, including to prospective students doing their orientations with their parents to get the attention of management."

In response to the demand submitted by the Electronics Techs, the University proposed 3-7% equity increases and adjustments to pay scales that allowed members who had been at the top of their pay scale to receive a January step increase, as well as creating room for additional step increases with the next contract.

As we gear up for bargaining with the University of California, the story of the electronics technicians' fight for fairness is a potent reminder of the strength in unity. "It will be a lot different at the bargaining table when we have eighteen thousand members behind us systemwide instead of just a few electronics techs here at one campus," Andrew reflected.