The University of California and the union that represents more than 2,000 lecturers there have reached a tentative contract agreement, ending three years of contentious bargaining.

The deal provides a measure of job security to the lecturers, who had complained that the university was not renewing contracts of some longtime lecturers so that it could replace them with cheaper instructors. Under the new contract, lecturers with six years experience who are rated "excellent" can be given three-year contracts with the expectation of continuing appointments. The university announcement refers to these job changes as "career-like status."

"We now have explicit language," said Fred Glass, a spokesman for the California Federation of Teachers, which represents the lecturers. Administrators will no longer be able to choose less expensive faculty members over experienced, qualified lecturers, he said. And if they do, the contract now provides for binding arbitration to settle disagreements. "Previously, the highest recourse was the university administration itself."

Judith W. Boyette, associate vice president for human resources and benefits, called the agreement "fair and balanced" -- especially given the state budget constraints facing the university.

The negotiations had dragged on for months, and had been acrimonious at times. In August, some lecturers at the Berkeley campus joined a strike by clerical workers. And in October, lecturers at five campuses walked off the job, forcing the cancellation of some classes.

While salaries were not a major sticking point during the talks, the agreement does provide for pay raises for the lecturers. The minimum salary for lecturers with less than six years of experience had been $27,000, although actual pay varies by department. Under the contract, that minimum will rise to $37,000 by 2005. Pay for more experienced lecturers will also rise with each three-year contract.

The deal still needs final approval from university officials and must be ratified by the union membership. Mr. Glass said the union hopes to accomplish that by the end of June.