Our Pay

Over the last ten years, wage increases for all UC staff members who are part of unions, including many of our colleagues at LBNL, have dramatically outpaced raises for non-represented staff. A recent report by the Council of UC Staff Assemblies (CUCSA) showed that staff who are not in unions (“99-Policy Covered”) have come in last place for the total increase in income, as shown in the graphs below. Our wages have increased by 10-37% LESS than those of our unionized counterparts.

“99 – Policy Covered” means non-union. That’s us, the far left blue bar in the left graph and lowest blue line in the right graph, in last place. Each of the other bars/lines represent other union contracts representing UC and LBL staff. The report poses an important question: Why are non-unionized staff last to be considered when it comes to State, System, and Campus budget priorities? To many of us, the answer is straightforward: We currently lack the power and rights that come with being recognized as a bargaining unit which can negotiate on equal terms with UC. This is a right that most other LBNL and UC employees already enjoy, and it is past time that Science, Technology, and Engineering Professionals at LBNL also gain a seat at the table.

The data could not be clearer about how unionizing could affect our pay increases. But the goals of unionization go beyond that. By forming a union together, we gain a stronger voice to be able to advocate for improved policies and increased funding to meet our needs and the needs of LBNL’s mission. Learn more about the other issues that Science, Technology, and Engineering Professionals at LBNL are hoping to address through unionizing here.