University of California reaches tentative agreement with postdocs, academic researchers
BERKELEY (CBS SF/BCN) – Following a contract dispute that sent the workers to the picket lines, postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers at the University of California reached a tentative agreement with university officials, according to a statement Tuesday by the union representing the workers.
Scholars and researchers have been striking for 15 days and will remain on strike until the agreement is final and in sympathy with student researchers and employees who are also seeking an agreement.
Postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers reached an agreement on key issues such as wage increases, officials with the union UAW Local 5810 said. The increases will reflect the cost of living.
"We are proud to have reached agreements that address the soaring cost of living, and reflect the value of our contributions at UC," said UAW Local 5810 president Neal Sweeney. "These agreements represent a new, best-in-class model that will improve quality of life -- and the quality of research -- for scientists across the U.S."
University officials said the tentative agreement includes fair compensation, paid family leave and job security.
"Our dedicated colleagues are vital to UC's research activities and we are very pleased to have reached agreements that honor their many important contributions," said Letitia Silas, executive director of systemwide labor relations. "These agreements also uphold our tradition of supporting these employees with compensation and benefits packages that are among the best in the country."
Sweeney said it's time for the university to come to an agreement with student workers and researchers. Student researchers submitted a proposal to the university 12 days ago and the university has not responded, union officials said.
University officials not confirm whether they have not responded to that proposal by student researchers by press time.
What the tentative agreements include (according to Sweeney):
Postdoc Contract:
- Compensation that addresses cost of living
- Most Postdocs will receive a 20-23% salary increase (up to $12,000) by October 2023; over the course of 5 years as a Postdoc at UC, the current lowest paid Postdoc would see a 57% salary increase;
- For 2024-2027: 7.2% annual increase for Postdocs on the scale (3.5% scale increase and 3.7% experience step), 3% annual increase for above-scale Postdocs
- Faster timelines to receive experience-based step increases
- Increase from 4 weeks to 8 weeks of Parental and Family Leave paid at 100% for all Postdocs
- Childcare subsidies that will start at $2,500/annually and increase to $2,800 annually - the first time Postdocs have won a childcare subsidy after 12 years of fighting.
- Lengthened initial appointments from 1 year to 2 years to ensure job security and longer visas.
- New Respectful Work Environment Article including industry-setting protections against abusive conduct and bullying that are fully grievable and arbitable.
- New Immigration Article with guaranteed leave time for immigration appointments and protections if immigration laws change.
- Protections for workers with disabilities that go beyond the ADA, guaranteeing interim accommodations while the interactive process is ongoing.
- Commitment to implement free transit passes within 3 years, and a commitment to bargain if free passes have not been implemented in that timeframe.
- E-bike discount of at least 15%.
Academic Researcher contract:
- Compensation that addresses cost of living
- A typical Academic Researcher will receive 29% in salary increases (between scale and merit increases) over the life of the contract.
- An Assistant Project Scientist hired in July 2022 would see their compensation increase by $3,078 by July 2023, by an additional $6,395 by July 2024, and by $19,423 by the end of the contract.
- A Junior Specialist hired in July 2022 would see their compensation increase by $5,459 by July 2023; if they continued as an Assistant Specialist their salary would increase by an additional $6,668 by July 2024, and by a total of $20,620 over the life of the contract.
- 8 Weeks of Parental and Family Leave paid at 100%, up from 70% pay.
- Better job security: Longer appointments before merit review, and fewer exceptions to 1-year minimum appointments.
- All ARs are now eligible to apply for PI status and UC commits to meet with the Union to discuss the expansion of Bridge Funding Programs at each campus.
- New Respectful Work Environment Article including industry-setting protections against abusive conduct and bullying that are fully grievable and arbitable.
- Protections for workers with disabilities that go beyond the ADA, guaranteeing interim accommodations while the interactive process is ongoing.
- Commitment to implement free transit passes within 3 years, and a commitment to bargain if free passes have not been implemented in that timeframe.
- E-bike discounts of at least 15%.