Page One Archive

May 2007 — Page One, Issue 2

May 2007 Bargaining Highlights

UC medical and student health centers offer some of the best patient care in the country and our nurses play a vital role in helping the University deliver that care. As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing nurses’ many contributions, UC medical facilities offer some of the most generous compensation and benefits packages available in today’s healthcare market. Attracting, retaining and appropriately compensating nurses remains one of our top priorities.

PAID TIME OFF (PTO): The University proposed a new Paid Time Off plan under which all vacation and one-half of sick leave time would be combined into a larger bank of “personal” time, with the second half of sick leave time placed into and accruing in a long-term sick leave bank. Nurses would be eligible for a payout of PTO accrued in excess of 75% of the maximum each year. Combining vacation and sick days in this way offers nurses increased flexibility, with no reduction in the total number of sick/vacation days available for use. UC proposed that this plan be effective for all new nurses and offered as an option to all existing RNs.

For more information on PTO click here

HEALTH BENEFITS: As healthcare costs continue to rise, the University faces significant challenges in maintaining affordable access to quality healthcare for its employees. The University is currently exploring several different approaches to help preserve high-quality benefits. During May bargaining sessions with CNA, the University presented its Medical Benefits Strategy for 2007-2008, which includes a variety of options designed to address rising health benefit costs. We will continue to discuss these options with CNA as bargaining continues.

COMPENSATION: UC is currently analyzing market information and will propose salary increases at future bargaining sessions in a continued effort to ensure that salaries and total compensation for UC nurses remain competitive.

UC GOALS FOR A NEW CONTRACT

• Preserve UC’s ability to provide excellent, cost effective health care services to communities throughout California

• Develop an attractive total compensation package in order to retain and attract talented, well-qualified nurses to UC

• Safeguard the retirement benefits offered through the UC Retirement System

• Provide a high-quality yet affordable health benefits package that addresses the needs of all employees

• Present UC nurses with a choice between the current sick/vacation plans and a new plan that offers increased flexibility

• Reach a comprehensive and mutually beneficial three-year agreement through good faith negotiations without any threat of strikes

UC BENEFITS

UC strives to offer all employees advantageous employment terms and opportunities. Below are some of the benefits that UC offers:

• Retirement Plan

• Savings Plans

• Medical Plan

• Dental Plan

• Vision Plan

• Paid Vacation: 3 weeks min.

• Paid Sick Leave: 12 days / year

• Paid Holidays: 13 days / year

• Life Insurance

• Disability Insurance

• Accident Insurance

• Legal Services

• Ability to pursue professional opportunities

anywhere within the UC system

• Commitment to work/life balance

UC employs over 150,000 people at its campuses, medical centers and national laboratories. For more information about the benefits of UC employment, please visit: www.ucop.edu.