Ucla Teamsters Union Contract

The recent UCLA Teamsters Union contract has been a hot topic in the labor community. The agreement, which was negotiated between the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Teamsters Local 2010, covers approximately 14,000 workers, including administrative assistants, custodians, and truck drivers.

The contract was ratified by the members of the union and will be in effect from October 1, 2021, until September 30, 2025. The agreement includes wage increases and improved benefits for the workers, as well as new provisions related to job security and workplace safety.

One of the most significant changes in the contract is a 12% wage increase over the course of the four years. Salaries for administrative assistants and other lower-paid workers will be raised to $18 an hour in the first year of the contract, and they will receive annual increases of 3.5% in the following years. Custodians and truck drivers will also see wage increases, with truck drivers receiving an additional $1.50 per hour for fueling their vehicles.

In addition to the wage increase, the contract includes improvements to the workers` benefits. The agreement covers increased employer contributions to the workers` health care costs, including vision and dental care. It also includes enhanced family leave benefits, which will allow workers to take up to 18 weeks of paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.

The contract also addresses job security and workplace safety. The new provisions require the university to provide more notice before layoffs, as well as to work with the union to identify alternative jobs for those affected by layoffs. It also includes language regarding workplace violence prevention, ensuring that the workers are protected from harm while performing their jobs.

As with any labor contract, there were contentious issues that had to be resolved during negotiations. The university had initially proposed a lower wage increase, which the union rejected. There were also disagreements over job security and workplace safety provisions, with the union pushing for stronger language to protect its members.

In the end, however, both the university and the union were able to reach an agreement that satisfied both parties. The UCLA Teamsters Union contract is a positive step forward for labor relations at the university and for the workers who will benefit from the new provisions.

In conclusion, the UCLA Teamsters Union contract is a significant victory for the workers represented by Teamsters Local 2010. The wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced job security and workplace safety provisions will improve the lives of the workers and their families. This agreement is a testament to the importance of strong labor unions in protecting the rights of workers and ensuring fair wages and working conditions.

Christopher Bryan