SUBJECT:

UPTE One-Day Strike - May 26, 2005

For approximately one year, the University of California (UC) and the University Professional and Technical Employees union (UPTE) have been engaged in collective bargaining for a new labor contract for employees in the Technical and Research Support Professionals bargaining units. At UCSD, UPTE represents approximately 600 employees in the Technical unit, including laboratory assistants, EH&S technicians, computer resource specialists, electronic technicians and animal health technicians. The Research Support Professionals unit, comprising approximately 800 employees, includes staff research associates and marine technicians. At this time, the parties have been unable to reach agreement on the terms of the contract, but it is the University's intention to continue working with UPTE representatives to arrive at an agreement.

UPTE has provided notice of its intent to hold a one-day UC systemwide strike on Thursday, May 26 to include UCSD. The University believes the strike will be illegal because the University and UPTE are engaged in ongoing negotiations and have not completed the statutorily mandated impasse process. In addition, the University has received notice from the Coalition of University Employees (CUE) of the intent to engage in an unlawful sympathy strike on the same date.

Should the strike occur, UCSD's normal operations will continue during the one-day job action. Classes will be held on schedule at their regular locations and most campus services will continue as usual. If you experience service delays or interruptions, we ask for your patience during this brief period. If you have special needs, please contact the responsible UCSD department.

If you are represented by a union, you may be asked to support the strike. If you are covered by a contract that is in effect, you are subject to the terms and conditions of the "No Strikes" article of your contract that prohibits any activities that interfere directly or indirectly with University operations. Contracts in effect include the Academic Student Employees (ASE/UAW), Non-Senate Faculty (AFT) and Librarians (AFT), Patient Care Technical Employees (AFSCME), Service Employees (AFSCME), Police Officers (FUPOA), Nurses (CNA), Health Care Professionals (UPTE), and Skilled Crafts (SETC).

Any picket lines are expected to be peaceful demonstrations.

All academic and staff employees are expected to report to work as normal on Thursday, May 26. Employees who request the use of sick leave for that day will be required to provide medical documentation. Employees without previously arranged absences or verifiable medical absences who do not report to work on Thursday, May 26 will be considered absent without authorization and will not be paid.

Disciplinary action may be taken in certain situations.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding. UCSD appreciates the efforts of all its employees in carrying out the University's mission of teaching, research, public service and patient care during this time.

If you have any questions about this matter, please contact your supervisor.

Rogers Davis Assistant Vice Chancellor - Human Resources