University Professional and Technical Employees, CWA 9119, is the union of technical and professional employees at the University of California. Over 16,000 UC employees are covered by UPTE-CWA contracts. UPTE was founded in 1990 by a group of employees who believed that UC workers would benefit from a union to safeguard and expand our rights. In 1993, UPTE members voted to affiliate with the Communications Workers of America, a 700,000-member union in the AFL-CIO, to better represent our members. In 1994, UC's 4,000 technical employees voted for UPTE representation. In 1996, 3,700 research professionals joined them, and in 1997, 2,000 health care professionals followed suit. There are now UPTE locals at all UC campuses, labs and medical centers. Adjunct faculty at three California community colleges and skilled trades workers at the Lawrence Livermore National Lab are also covered by UPTE contracts. Members of all units elect bargaining committees to negotiate union contracts, engage in actions to support bargaining, provide assistance to members with problems, and participate in UPTE leadership. UPTE is a democratic, member-run union made up entirely of the workers it represents. Decisions are made by UPTE members and their elected representatives.