UC-AFT is a member-led union and our collective bargaining negotiations are led by democratically-elected representatives from each of our UC campuses. Our 2026 negotiations will be lead by colleagues, who volunteer their time and capacity to fight for the fair contract we deserve.

Lead Negotiator (Vice President of Unit 18): John Branstetter, UCLA

What are your hopes for the new contract?

“I want to see an end to precarity. No lecturer should have to worry about their jobs any more than senate faculty do!”

UCB (Bay Area Chapter) Table Team reps: Joe Klett and Cam Clark

What are your hopes for the new contract?

I hope our next contract will provide a new level of job security for us lecturers. I want us to join our fellow workers and faculty on campus as regular employees, not piecemeal contractors. I want review and advancement processes to be clear and responsive to all. I want work opportunities to be fairly assigned and abundantly clear to all lecturers who desire to work. And I want the quality of that work to be bolstered by the best protections for academic freedom and pedagogical expertise we can muster. I see no better reason to organize in this moment.” Joe, UCB

“As a Field Work Supervisor, my work responsibilities vary dramatically from other lecturer colleagues. The Article 7 process of appointment and reappointment often feels poorly tailored as an instrument to measure my performance and progressive development as a lecturer. Increased consideration of our experience and needs would be amazing!” Cam, UCB

UCD Table Team reps: Matt Oliver and Katie Arosteguy

What are your hopes for the new contract?

“I’d like stronger contract language related to job security, workload, and compensation that recognizes the professional and critical work we do as teachers for the UC.” Katie, UCD

UCI Table Team reps: Kat Lewin and Shannon Alfaro

UCLA Table Team reps: Virginia Espino and Alison Lipman

UCM Table Team reps: Tommy Tran

What are your hopes for the new contract?

“I hope we can guarantee real secure work that is valued by the UC. What I want is not empty platitudes – what I want for us is respect for lecturers as professionals.” Tommy , UCM

UCR Table Team reps: Benjamin Harder

UCSB Table Team reps: Daraka Larimore-Hall

UCSC Table Team reps: Nolan Higdon and Max Schmeder

What are your hopes for the new contract?

“Guaranteed, consistent work and a livable wage.” Nolan , UCSC

UCSD Table Team reps: Stacy Steinberg and Mary Klann