Family Stress Resilience

The Academic and Staff Assistance Program, or ASAP, is taking sign-ups for Family Stress Resilience workshops for staff and faculty — who are invited to attend by themselves or with their families. The workshops are free.

You can choose from a Tuesday program, 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 20, or a Saturday program, 10 a.m. to noon April 24. The Saturday session includes lunch.

ASAP is asking people to register by today (April 2). You can accomplish this online:

• For the April 20 program—surveymonkey.com/s/MQLWLLH

• For the April 24 program—surveymonkey.com/s/FQYPBHK

An ASAP flier states: “We recognize the need for familial support during these tough economic times. In response to this need, we have organized a workshop to address family stress.

“During this experiential and upbeat event, balancing work and home life as well as identifying and preventing additional stress will be addressed.”

Organizers listed two emphases:

• Building and maintaining a strong framework for understanding how chronic stress can negatively affect the family.
• Stress management tools.

For more information, contact Cassie Hostetter, chostetter@ucdavis.edu.

UC, UPTE reach a deal

The UC Office of the President on March 30 announced that the university and the University Professional and Technical Employees union had reached agreement on a new contract for UC’s approximately 9,000 research and technical employees, including staff research associates, museum scientists, health and safety technicians and laboratory assistants.

The retroactive contract runs for five years, through June 30, 2013.

According to UCOP, the contract includes no wage increases for the 2008-09 or 2009-10 fiscal years. However, for 2009-10, the contract calls for $1,000 lump-sum payments (prorated based on appointment rate).

Then, for 2010-11, the contract provides for 2.5 percent across-the-board increases and one step increase, and makes 0.5 percent available for equity increases, with any unspent funds to be rolled into subsequent across-the-board increases.

Finally, for 2011-12 and 2012-13, the contract provides for 3 percent across-the-board increases and one step increase

A UCOP news release indicates that the union agreed to renewed employee contributions to the UC Retirement Plan, as required for nonrepresented employees. The contract gives UPTE the right to negotiate any reductions in pension benefits.

The contract calls for a joint UC-UPTE committee to explore ways to re-employ UPTE employees who are laid off.

The agreement includes new language that emphasizes UC’s commitment to ensuring a safe work environment, and requires employees to report any concerns regarding workplace safety. The agreement also provides release time for UPTE-designated health and safety employee representatives and union access to health and safety information, pursuant to law.

UPTE is not participating in the furlough program; therefore, the program is not part of the new contract. (At UC Davis, UPTE members are subject to furlough alternatives.)

UCOP news release

Women’s rugby playoffs

The undefeated Women’s Rugby Sport Club is hosting the Pacific Coast Rugby Football Union’s Women’s Collegiate D1 Playoffs, today (April 2) and April 3, on Russell Field (along Russell Boulevard).

The Aggies, with their perfect record, are in first place in the Northern California League.

The Pacific Coast D1 playoffs comprise two matches each day, at 2 and 4 p.m. The Aggies’ first game is set for 4 p.m. April 2. Admission is free.