Union Expresses Intent
To Strike on Thursday

The University Professional and Technical Employees (UPTE) union has announced its intent to hold a one-day worker strike tomorrow on all University of California campuses and at Berkeley Lab. The University has indicated that it considers this strike unlawful, because the parties are still in active negotiations and no impasse has been reached in contract talks. Berkeley Lab and UPTE recently reached agreement on a three-year wage package for Laboratory employees in both the Technical and Research Professional bargaining units. The wage agreement for FY05 includes a merit pool of 2.5%, salary range movement of 2.5%, and up to 0.5% for posted promotions and reclassifications. About 375 Lab employees are in the two UPTE bargaining units. CUE (Coalition of University Employees), the union representing the Laboratory's clerical employees, has announced plans to join in a "sympathy" strike with UPTE. For information on the strike, negotiations, and rules governing employee absences, go here. Read a University Q-and-A on the strike here.

'Friends of Science'
Talk Tomorrow

Employees are invited to attend the next "Friends of Science" talk tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Building 66 Auditorium. It will feature materials scientist Antoni Tomsia, who will discuss "How to Build Better Bones." To reserve a spot, send e-mail here. "Friends" is an information and education resource provided by the Lab for the surrounding community.

Network Router
Causes Interruptions

On Tuesday morning, Lab staff experienced problems with external Internet connections. According to ESnet, the interruption may have been caused by a new router. Access to internal Lab networks (email and Web pages) was not affected.

Database Integrates
JGI Sequence Data

Kyrpides

Berkeley Lab scientists, in concert with other national labs across the country, recently launched an online microbial genome database that integrates for the first time all previously published sequence data from the Joint Genome Institute (JGI) and other public research arms. The goal is to provide researchers with a single, real-time sequencing resource and collaborative tool for DNA researchers in the areas of drug discovery, industrial process and agriculture, among others. Nikos Kyrpides, with the Lab's Genomics Division, is the scientific manager of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) data management system. Full story.

Come Watch Test
Of New Fire Foam

The Berkeley Fire Department will visit the Lab to test a new type of foam used for fighting wildfires. They will conduct drills off of Centennial Drive near Building 85. Units from the Alameda County Fire Department and the East Bay Regional Parks District will also be participating. Lab employees can watch the demonstrations as long as they check in with the incident command post to receive safety instructions. The drills are scheduled for next Wednesday at 8:45 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., as well as Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7 (same times). For more information, call x7032.

Monthly Time Reports
Due Tomorrow by Noon

The Payroll Office would like to remind employees that their LETS monthly time card is due tomorrow by noon. Go here to enter and/or approve time.