What are UC workers bargaining for?
Use this Daily Californian tool for updates from bargaining units
November 24, 2022
Luke Jensen | Staff
Editor's note: The projects department staff of The Daily Californian updated this article as contract negotiations between the UC system and the bargaining units continued.
Update 11/29/2022: UAW Local 5810 and the UC system reached tentative contract agreements for academic researchers and postdoctoral scholars the night of Nov. 28, 2022. Until union membership ratifies the contract agreements, academic researchers and postdoctoral scholars are on strike “in sympathy” with the units still at the bargaining table: student researchers and academic student employees.
Update 12/10/2022: The membership of UAW Local 5810 — the union representing postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers — voted to ratify their contracts with the UC system. Like their previous contracts, the new agreements prohibit strikes that interfere with UC operations. Student researchers and academic student employees, represented by SRU-UAW and UAW Local 2865, remain on strike.
Update 12/16/2022: UAW Local 2865 and SRU-UAW reached tentative agreements on their respective contracts with the UC system. However, the contracts have yet to be ratified by the unions' memberships. This article was updated to reflect this information.
Update 12/23/2022: The memberships of the UAW Local 2865 and SRU-UAW ratified the tentative contract agreements set forth Dec. 16. This article was updated to reflect this information.
Following a week of voting, four bargaining units of UAW — which collectively represent more than 40,000 academic student employees, academic researchers, postdoctoral scholars and student researchers across the UC system — announced a historic authorization to strike.
The systemwide strike began Nov. 14. However, the four contracts ratified by union memberships in December prohibit strike authorizations.
In the months leading up to the strike, the UC system and each of the four bargaining units had engaged in separate contract negotiations. Each negotiation between the UC system and a bargaining unit consisted of more than 20 articles concerning workplace policies for wages, layoffs, housing and much more.
In addition to proposals for specific articles within a contract, negotiation processeses contained pay scales, appendices and side letters — often clarifying the terms of other proposals. Proposals and tentative agreements for pay scales, appendices and side letters are included in this article.
As the UC system and the unions negotiated, they employed a variety of bargaining techniques. Often, parties compiled proposals into packages, where the bargaining teams had the opportunity to tentatively agree upon multiple articles at a time. Many of these proposal packages allowed unions and the UC system to keep language from their previous contracts.
Yet, the proposal history for some articles is less straightforward — with some having more than 15 proposals. Despite lengthy negotiations, parties have also moved to wipe entire portions of their contracts by withdrawing them.
This Daily Californian tool followed all four negotiations as they reached agreements on their contracts. Now that the unions have ratified their contracts, the tool links to the language of each section of the new contracts — along with the date that portion's language was tentatively agreed upon. For each of the four negotiations on wages, a more complete proposal history is linked.
Academic student employees
Academic student employees, or ASEs, are represented by UAW Local 2865. ASEs consist of more than 19,000 tutors, readers, graduate student instructors and teaching assistants at the UC system, according to the UAW Local 2865's website.
The UAW Local 2865's last contract with the UC system was originally due to expire June 30, 2022. That contract — which would have prohibited the union's strike authorization — was only extended to Oct. 1, 2022. On Dec. 16, the union and the UC system tentatively agreed upon the entire contract, which was ratified by UAW Local 2865 membership by Dec. 23. This new contract should be in effect until May 31, 2025.
As of Dec. 16, 2022 at 6:03 p.m., 44 tentative agreements were met between the UC system and the UAW Local 2865.
Recognition
A tentative agreement was reached Nov. 18, 2022, for the recognition article, which recognizes what job titles are counted as ASEs represented by UAW Local 2865.
Appointment notification
A tentative agreement was reached Nov. 29, 2022, which outlines how the UC system should notify an ASE of their appointment and with what information.
Appointment security
On June 2, 2022, the appointment security article reached a tentative agreement, ensuring some protections for ASEs in the event that a position an ASE accepts is no longer available.
Child care
The UAW Local 2865 and the UC system's negotiations for child care reimbursements resulted in a Dec. 16 tentative agreement.
Classifications
The classifications article saw a tentative agreement Nov. 17, 2022. The agreement allows UC campuses to appoint ASEs into positions with the titles specified in the recognition article.
Class sizes
Proposals from UAW Local 2865 for the class sizes article have asked the UC campuses to post projected classes sizes from each academic department on central campus websites. The Dec. 16 tentative agreement on ASEs' contract does not include a class sizes article.
Community safety
This article has one Sept. 21, 2022, proposal from the UAW Local 2865 bargaining team. This proposal asked the UC system to defund UC police departments’ budgets and refrain from calling law enforcement to UC campuses, among other demands. The Dec. 16 tentative agreement on ASEs' contract does not include a community safety article.
Defined contribution and university retirement plans
The UC system and the bargaining unit tentatively agreed on a proposal to this article, setting up a policy for the UC system’s contribution to ASEs’ retirement plans.
Definitions
On March 16, 2022, a tentative agreement was reached on the definitions article, along with some other articles, as part of a package of proposals that maintained the policy from previous contracts.
Discipline and dismissal
UAW Local 2865 and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on discipline and dismissal June 17, 2022.
Emergency layoff
Maintaining the previous contract between the UC system and the union for emergency layoffs, a tentative agreement was reached for this article March 16, 2022, as part of a package of proposals.
Employment files and evaluations
This April 19, 2022 tentative agreement defines employment files and evaluations and how ASEs may access them.
Fee remission
Fee remission is offered to graduate student instructors, graduate student readers, readers and tutors to offset fees, including those for tuition, health insurance, student services and more, according to the Berkeley Graduate Division website. Policy for ASEs' fee remission was tentatively agreed upon Dec. 16.
Grievance and arbitration
A tentative agreement has been reached for the grievance and arbitration article.
Health and safety
Both parties arrived at a tentative agreement regarding the health and safety article April 19, 2022.
Health benefits
Policy for ASEs’ health benefits reached a tentative agreement Dec. 16.
Holidays
UAW Local 2865 and the UC system tentatively agreed upon a proposal March 2, 2022, regarding holidays, excusing ASEs from many responsibilities on designated holidays.
Housing
The Dec. 16 tentative agreement on ASEs' contract does not include a housing article.
International scholars and immigrant support
Negotiations for this article cover UC-provided supports for international students and more.
Labor management meetings
The parties tentatively agreed on a proposal for labor management meetings March 16, 2022, as part of a package of proposals that maintained the policy from previous contracts.
Leaves
Negotiations on military, pregnancy, medical and other leaves resulted in a tentative agreement.
Management and academic rights
Policy for the management and academic rights article was tentatively agreed upon.
No strikes
A proposal from the UC system dated April 19, 2022, demanded that there should be “no strikes, including sympathy strikes, stoppages or interruptions of work.” Negotiation continues for this article.
Nondiscrimination in employment
On Sept. 28, 2022, a proposal for this article was tentatively agreed upon as part of a package with the article on respectful workplace environments.
Parking and transit
This Nov. 30, 2022 tentative agreement entitles ASEs to UC-provided transit system passes, monthly public transit allowances, e-bike discounts and more.
Peer-led trainings
The Dec. 16 tentative agreement on ASEs' contract does not include a peer-led trainings article.
Posting
According to the April 19, 2022, tentative agreement for the posting article, the UC system should post any available ASE positions on a central campus website.
Reasonable accommodations
Proposals for the reasonable accommodations article have concerned the extent and grounds for access accommodations afforded to ASEs with disabilities. Both parties came to a tentative agreement on reasonable accommodations for ASEs Nov. 30, 2022.
Relocation benefit
The one standing proposal for this article is from UAW Local 2865. It bargains for a $5,000 relocation benefit for doctoral students looking to move close to their location of their work. The Dec. 16 tentative agreement on ASEs' contract does not include a relocation benefit article.
Respectful work environment
On Sept. 28, 2022, a proposal for this article was tentatively agreed upon as part of a package with the article on nondiscrimination in employment.
Past practices
As part of a package of proposals dated May 10, 2022, the past practices article was retracted, and both the UC system and UAW Local 2865 tentatively agreed on a proposal for the waiver article.
Severability
UAW Local 2865 and the UC system tentatively agreed on this article March 16 as part of a package of proposals that maintained the language from the previous contract.
Summer session
A tentative agreement for this article was reached Nov. 29, 2022.
Training and orientation
A tentative agreement on the training and orientation article was signed by representatives from UAW Local 2865 and the UC system.
Travel
The travel article saw a tentative agreement March 16, 2022, as part of a package of proposals that maintained the policy from the parties' previous contract.
Union access and rights
A Sept. 23, 2022, tentative agreement on union access and rights was signed by representatives from UAW Local 2865 and the UC.
Union security
By the Sept. 23, 2022, tentative agreement on union security, the UC system will provide a list of ASEs by name and department to the union. The agreement includes guidelines for fees and the union membership election form for new ASEs – which will be accompanied by Appendix YY.
Wages
The UC system and UAW Local 2865 have come to a tentative agreement on yearly salary increases and base pay for both graduate and undergraduate ASEs, but the entire proposal history for this article will remain listed. The Dec. 16 tentative agreement contains a pay table and multiple sections.
Wages side letter
Language for this side letter was tentatively agreed upon Dec. 16.
Waiver
A tentative agreement on the waiver article was reached May 10, 2022.
Workload
The Nov. 18, 2022, tentative agreement on the workload article established hourly workloads for teaching assistants, readers, tutors and instructors of record. The agreement also guides the UC system’s response to ASEs who are about to go over their hourly workload for the day, week or term.
Workspace materials and instructional support
A March 16, 2022, tentative agreement maintains the parties' previous contract agreement on workspace materials and instructional support, which was passed as part of a package of proposals.
Duration
The duration article of the 2018 contract between UAW Local 2865 and the UC system originally stated that it would last until June 30, 2022. The union and the UC system tentatively agreed this new contract should last terminate May 31, 2025.
Preamble
The proposal history for the preamble consists of one proposal from the UC system, but the Dec. 16 tentative agreement does not include a preamble.
Ground rules
On March 2, 2022, the two parties tentatively agreed upon ground rules regarding conduct at bargaining meetings, tentative agreements and more.
Appendix F
The Oct. 17, 2022, tentative agreement on Appendix F specifies ASEs' participation in the UC system's Retirement Savings Program.
Appendix YY
On Sept. 21, 2022, the union and the UC system tentatively agreed on Appendix YY — which is sent out to new ASEs along with a union membership election form. Appendix YY states that the UC system neither discourages or encourages UAW Local 2865 membership.
Joint labor management committee
Proposals for other side letters and articles have listed objectives for this committee on workplace accessibility. A tentative agreement was reached Nov. 30, 2022, setting the goals and agenda of the joint labor management committee.
Berkeley staffing side letter
The Oct. 27, 2022, union proposal for this side letter aimed to increase staffing for courses within the statistics, data science and electrical engineering and computer sciences departments at UC Berkeley.
Summer funding side letter
There was one UC proposal regarding this side letter, but it did not make into the tentative contract agreement.
Off-scale payments side letter
There is one UC proposal regarding this side letter, but it did not make into the tentative contract agreement.
Extension of previous contract
The previous contract between the UC system and the UAW Local 2865 was set to expire June 30, 2022. That contract — which barred the union from authorizing strikes — was only extended to Oct. 1, 2022.
Academic researchers
Academic researchers, or ARs, are represented by UAW Local 5810, the union that also represents postdocs. ARs in the union consist of nearly 5,000 project scientists, specialists, professional researchers and coordinators of public programs at the UC system, according to the UAW Local 5810 website.
Before taking effect, the AR bargaining team had come to tentative agreements on portions of the union's contract with the UC system. In December 2022, union's membership of ARs ratified the contract, which prohibits strike authorizations and will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2027.
Recognition
A tentative agreement on recognition was reached June 24, 2022, as part of a package of proposals. The package agreement maintained the language of eight articles from the previous contract between the UAW Local 5810 and the UC system.
Appointments
On Nov. 2, 2022, a tentative agreement on a package deal maintained the language of their previous appointments article.
Benefits and retirement programs
The UAW Local 5810’s proposals have included eligibility for enrollment in health and retirement plans and a $10 per month cap on increases to AR contributions for benefit plans. After one package and one proposal, parties moved to maintain their previous contract language for this article on Nov. 28, 2022.
Health benefits plan changes for 2023
Parties tentatively agreed to withdraw this article Nov. 28, 2022. Previously, parties had negotiated the extent of coverage of mental health, gender-affirming and IVF treatments. None of those terms were used in their earlier contract.
Bridge funding
Bridge funding is provided by the UC system to ensure the continuity of an AR's research during periods of insufficient external funding. A Nov. 12, 2022 package from UAW Local 5180 set forth guidelines for ARs' eligibility for bridge funding of up to $100,000. However, a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement forwards a Nov. 19, 2022 proposal that states the joint labor management committee should convene to discuss bridge funding.
Child care
In November 2022, the UAW Local 5810 withdrew its child care proposal asking the UC system to subsidize UC child care programs for ARs. The union’s last contract did not contain a child care article.
Compensation
While a tentative agreement was reached Nov. 28, 2022, the complete proposal history is attached for this article.
Coordinator of public programs series
Coordinators of public programs, or CPPs, are ARs that oversee programs that serve the public in education, health and labor. In mid-November, both parties reached a tentative agreement on eligibility criteria, longer terms of appointments and promotion guidelines for CPPs.
Corrective action and dismissal
The UC system and the UAW Local 5810 reached a tentative agreement as part of a package proposal Sept. 30, 2022 on what corrective actions the UC system can take to address ARs’ potential misconduct, subpar performance or violation of UC policy.
Grievance and arbitration procedures
On Nov. 13, 2022, the UAW Local 5810 and the UC system tentatively agreed on procedures for ARs to file grievances with a right to be represented by the UAW.
Health and safety
In August 2022, both parties tentatively agreed that the UC system and the union share the responsibility of maintaining a safe working environment with proper equipment.
Holidays
In June 2022, both parties tentatively agreed on 14 holidays, including Juneteenth. ARs whose projects require working on holidays should receive an alternate day off under the agreement.
Housing and relocation
On Nov. 12, 2022, the UAW Local 5180 proposed that the UC system make UC-provided housing available for all ARs with rent that is no more than 30% of their salary. If UC housing is not available, the UC system should pay ARs in subsidies, under the union’s proposal. On Nov. 28, 2022, UAW Local 5810 withdrew this article as part of a tentative package agreement.
International scholar and immigrant support
On Nov. 19, 2022, the UAW Local 5810 withdrew their proposal for this new article.
Labor management meetings
Both parties came to a tentative agreement on labor management meetings in June 2022 as part of a package that maintained the language of eight articles from their previous contract.
Layoff and reduction in time
On Nov. 18, 2022, UAW Local 5180 came to a tentative agreement on layoffs and reduced work hours.
Leaves of absence
On Nov. 28, 2022, both parties tentatively agreed to the UC system's Aug. 26, 2022 proposal for this article.
Management and academic rights
On Nov. 13, 2022, both parties reached a tentative agreement on an Aug. 26, 2022 UC proposal that outlines the rights of the UC system’s faculty and academic administrators.
Medical separation
Medical separation is a separation from employment when an AR is unable to perform the essential assigned functions of their position due to a disability. In a package with four other articles, both parties reached a tentative agreement in early November to maintain previous contract language on medical separation.
No strikes
In multiple proposal packages, the UC system has proposed to maintain the previous contract language prohibiting strikes; the union’s June 24, 2022 response contained the previous contract’s version of this article, written in striked out text. However, both parties tentatively agreed on the previous contract language for this article Nov. 28, 2022, barring union strikes.
Nondiscrimination in employment
On Sept. 30, 2022, both parties came to a tentative agreement on a UAW version of the article.
Out of unit movement
In a package proposal with 4 other articles, UAW Local 5180 and the UC system reached a tentative agreement Nov. 11, 2022, to maintain previous contract language on out of unit movement.
Parking and transit
Language from recent proposals in November from the UC system are showing the integration of university-provided and low-carbon emission transit options for ARs. Negotiations resulted in a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative package agreement on the Nov. 23, 2022 UC system proposal linked below.
Past practice not covered by agreement
In June 2022, the union and UC reached a tentative agreement to maintain previous contract language in a package proposal with eight other articles.
Personnel files
Along with seven other articles, both parties came to a tentative agreement to maintain previous contract language regarding personnel files.
Professional research series
Professional researchers are represented by the UAW Local 5180. In mid-November 2022, both parties reached a tentative agreement on eligibility criteria, longer terms of appointments and promotion guidelines for professional researchers.
Project scientist series
Project scientists are represented by the UAW Local 5180. In mid-November 2022, both parties reached a tentative agreement on eligibility criteria, longer terms of appointments and promotion guidelines for project scientists.
Reasonable accommodation
In late-October, both parties reached a tentative agreement on reasonable accommodation for disabled ARs and need assistance to perform the essential functions of their jobs.
Respect is part of research training
The union withdrew their proposal for this new article in November 2022. The union’s original June 10, 2022 proposal moved to offer sexual harrassment prevention and response training jointly with the UC system.
Respectful work environment
UAW Local 5180 and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on a new proposed article by the union that sets guidelines to maintain a respectful work environment for ARs.
Severability
Along with the eight other articles in a June 2022 package proposal, both parties agreed to maintain the previous contract language on severability.
Sick leave
On Oct. 19, 2022, UAW Local 5180 and the UC system came to a tentative agreement to maintain previous contract language in a package proposal for sick leave and vacation. The previous contract allows full-time ARs to accumulate sick leave with one day per month.
Specialist series
Specialists are represented by the UAW Local 5180. In mid-November 2022, both parties reached a tentative agreement on eligibility criteria, longer terms of appointments and promotion guidelines for specialists.
Time and effort commitment
Both parties tentatively agreed to maintain previous contract language for time and effort commitment in late-September in a package proposal with 3 other articles. The previous contract language outlines standard work hours and overtime work and compensation rules.
Training
In June 2022, along with eight other articles, UAW Local 5180 and the UC system came to a tentative agreement to maintain previous contract language on training. The previous contract article rules training as paid time.
Travel reimbursement
UC and the union reached a tentative agreement to maintain previous contract language on travel reimbursement.
Union access and rights
Parties tentatively agreed to maintain their previous contract’s article on union access and rights Nov. 2, 2022, as part of a package with four other articles. Notably, attendance at union orientations is mandatory and on paid time under the previous contract.
Union security
The Nov. 2, 2022, tentative agreement on union security came as a package with four other proposals. It requires that a form, along with Appendix YY, be sent out to allow ARs to allow them to join the union.
Vacation
Both parties signed an agreement to continue their previous contract’s vacation and sick leave articles Oct. 19, 2022. The previous vacation article allows ARs to accrue up to 48 vacation days.
Waiver
The union and the UC system tentatively agreed to the waiver article June 24, 2022, as part of a proposal package that maintains the language of eight articles from their previous contract.
Work-incurred injury and illness
The UAW Local 5810 and the UC system have tentatively agreed upon their previous contract’s policy for injuries and illnesses incurred at ARs’ workplaces. ARs should be afforded sick leave and vacation for “work-incurred injury or illness” under the California Workers’ Compensation Act.
Duration of agreement
According to a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement on a Nov. 17, 2022 UC system proposal, this contract will be effect until Sept. 30, 2027.
Appendix H
Appendix H’s tentative agreement Nov. 18, 2022, established a list of arbitrators to help settle disputes. The list was required by the Nov. 13, 2022, tentative agreement regarding grievance and arbitration procedures.
Appendix YY
A tentative agreement for Appendix YY’s language was reached Nov. 2, 2022. The appendix will accompany ARs’ union membership election form. Appendix YY states that the UC system neither discourages or encourages UAW Local 5810 membership.
Ground rules
On June 28, 2022, the UC system and the union tentatively agreed on ground rules for the location, scheduling and written minutes of bargaining meetings. Under this agreement, bargaining meetings may not have sound or video recordings.
Extension of previous contract
The previous AR contact between the UC system and the UAW Local 5810 was originally slated to be in effect until Sept. 30, 2022. That contract — which barred the union from authorizing strikes — was only extended to Oct. 31, 2022.
Postdoctoral scholars
Postdoctoral scholars, or postdocs, have completed a doctorate and use their appointments in the UC system to advance their professional interests with additional research and training. Like academic researchers, postdocs are represented by the UAW Local 5810. According to its website, the UAW Local 5810 represents more than 6,000 postdocs across the UC system.
Before taking effect, the postdoc bargaining team had come to tentative agreements on portions of the union's contract with the UC system. In December 2022, the union's membership of postocs ratified the contract, which prohibits strike authorizations and will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2027.
Recognition
A tentative agreement on the recognition article was reached in August 2021 as part of a package of proposals. The package agreement maintained the language of eight articles from the previous contract between the UAW Local 5810 and the UC system.
Appointments
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract.
Benefits
The Nov. 17, 2021 tentative agreement outlines postdocs’ participation in several benefits programs by the UC. It includes the Postdoctoral Scholar Benefit Plans medical, dental and vision plans, among others.
Child care
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract.
Compensation
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract. However, the complete proposal history for this article is attached.
Discipline and dismissal
A tentative agreement on discipline and dismissal was reached Sept. 16, 2021.
Grievance and arbitration procedures
On Sept. 27, 2022, parties tentatively agreed on procedures for grievances and arbitrations.
Health and safety
UAW Local 5810 and the UC system tentatively agreed to language for this article Oct. 21, 2021. The union and the UC system acknowledge that it is both parties’ responsibility to maintain safe and healthy workplaces — which includes those in laboratory settings.
Housing
This article was withdrawn as part of a Nov. 28, 2022 package deal.
Holidays
A tentative agreement on time off for designated holidays was reached Aug. 1, 2021.
Immigration
Both parties tentatively agreed to language on the immigration article Nov. 18, 2022, but the language has not yet been provided.
Individual development plans and progress assessments
The union and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on this article Feb. 21, 2022.
International scholar and immigrant support
This article was withdrawn as part of a package proposal Nov. 28, 2022.
Job abandonment
The UC system withdrew its job abandonment proposal Sept. 21, 2021.
Labor management meetings
Both parties came to a tentative agreement on labor management meetings in August 2021 as part of a package that maintained the language of eight articles from their previous contract.
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab article
The Nov. 22, 2022 tentative agreement on this article details some policies for postdocs working in the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab – including holidays, compensation and personal time off.
Layoff
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract, moving forward on an Oct. 21, 2021 UC system proposal.
Leaves of absence
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract, moving forward on a Nov. 23, 2022 UC system proposal.
Management and academic rights
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract, moving forward on a May 12, 2022 UC system proposal.
Medical separation
Medical separation occurs when a postdoc is unable to perform the essential function of their position due to their disability, according to the UC system's original Aug. 17, 2021 proposal for the article. The UC system withdrew its proposal for this new article March 3, 2022.
No strikes
The UC system’s original July 23, 2021, proposal for this article sought to maintain the previous contract’s no strikes article, which prohibited striking. On Nov. 28, 2022, the parties tentatively agreed on this article's previous contract language.
Nondiscrimination
The parties reached a tentative agreement on nondiscrimination in the workplace Feb. 8, 2022.
Parking and transit
After more than 20 packages and proposals, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this portion of the contract Nov. 28, 2022.
Past practices
As part of a Feb. 18, 2022, package of proposals, the union withdrew their proposal for a new past practice article.
Personal time off
Both parties tentatively agreed upon a policy for personal time off Jan. 19, 2022. Now, postdocs should get 24 paid days of personal time off for each year-long appointment, but using them requires approval from the UC system.
Personnel files
Personnel files refer to information about postdocs’ appointment with the UC system. On Aug. 1, 2021, the union and the UC system tentatively agreed to maintain their previous contract’s article on personnel files.
Posting
The UC system and the UAW Local 5810 have reached a tentative agreement maintaining the status quo. Posting policies — regarding job offers and equivalent compensation — will not change from the last contract, but campuses may expand upon them if they so choose.
Professional development and career counseling
A tentative agreement was reached after more than 15 proposals and packages. Under the agreement, the UC system should offer career counseling, writing workshops and international scholar workshops for its postdocs.
Progress assessments
Both parties reached a tentative agreement Feb. 21, 2022.
President's postdoctoral fellowships
This article was withdrawn as part of a package deal Nov. 28, 2022.
Reasonable accommodation
On Oct. 31, 2022, a tentative agreement regarding disability accommodations and work adjustments was reached. This was achieved after almost 20 back-and-forth proposals and packages.
Relocation reimbursement
Proposals from the UAW Local 5810 have asked the UC system to reimburse long-term work relocation expenses, such as rent, airfare and visa fees. According to a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement on a package, the union withdrew the article.
Respectful work environment
A tentative agreement was reached Sept. 27, 2022, defining what is and is not abusive conduct.
Respect is a part of research training
The union’s first proposal for this new article would mandate in-person sexual harrasment prevention and response workshops for newly employed postdocs. By a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement on a package proposal, the UAW Local 5810 withdrew the article.
Severability
Both parties reached a tentative agreement not to change the previous contract language for this article — along with seven others — Aug. 1, 2021.
Sick leave
Provisions for sick leave to care for family members now include grandparents, grandchildren and siblings, according to the Jan. 18, 2022, tentative agreement.
Successorship
As part of an Aug. 1, 2021, tentative agreement, the UAW Local 5810 and the UC system agreed to maintain the previous contract language for this article and seven others.
Time and effort commitment
After two proposals, a tentative agreement was reached Sept. 16, 2021. Like their previous contract, time spent during meals and commuting to work are not counted as working hours.
Titles and classifications
On Jan. 19, 2022, a tentative agreement was reached between the UC system and UAW Local 5810. The new article removes special classifications for postdocs working at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, abbreviated as LBL on the contract.
Training
The tentative agreement reached August 1, 2021, includes training among the articles that will not be changed from previous contract language.
Travel reimbursement
On Oct, 21, 2021, parties tentatively agreed on a proposal for this article, according to the union’s postdoc bargaining tracking Google Sheet. However, a link to the agreement was not provided.
Union access and rights
By a Feb. 8, 2022 tentative agreement, each UC campus should conduct a monthly, campuswide orientation for new postdocs.
Union security
The UC system and the UAW Local 5810 tentatively established policies on union security Oct. 3, 2022. Among its many guidelines, it required the UC system to send postdocs a form for union membership along with Appendix YY.
University facilities and services
Under an Aug. 1, 2021 tentative agreement, this article and seven others will not change from previous contract language.
Voluntary resignation
This new article proposed by the UC system would have established the conditions for postdocs’ voluntary resignations. However, it was withdrawn, according to the UAW Local 5810.
Waiver
A tentative agreement on the waiver article was reached Feb. 21, 2022. It acknowledges that both parties have been free to collectively bargain during these contract negotiations.
Work authorization
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on a UC system proposal from Jan. 7, 2022.
Work-incurred injury and illness
The Sept. 13, 2022 tentative agreement between both parties changed little from the original contract, save for a pronoun update.
Workspace and materials
This was the final proposal included in the Aug. 1, 2022, tentative agreement package between the UC system and UAW Local 5810. The original contract language is not slated to change.
Duration
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 tentatively agreed that this contract should be in effect until Sept. 30, 2027.
Health benefits side letter
The Nov. 17, 2022 tentative agreement requires the UC system to include partial coverage for infertility treatments.
Compensation side letter
On Nov. 28, 2022, the UC system and UAW Local 5810 came to a tentative agreement on this side letter.
Transit side letter
According to UAW Local 5810, this article was withdrawn.
Joint labor management committee side letter
This side letter, which details agenda items for a joint labor management committee, was tentatively agreed upon Oct. 28, 2022.
Appendix A
With some updates, parties will maintain their previous contract language for this appendix, according to a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement on a package.
Appendix B
This Nov. 22, 2022, tentative agreement mirrors the UC system's June 9, 2022, proposal for Appendix B.
Appendix C
The membership election form allows postdocs to opt into union membership. The form is sent through Appendix C, which looks like an email template. A tentative agreement for the appendix was reached by both parties Oct. 3, 2022.
Appendix F
A finalized panel of arbitrators, written out in Appendix F, was tentatively agreed upon July 14, 2022.
Appendix G
By a Nov. 28, 2022 tentative agreement, Appendix G contains required information for a postdoc’s appointment letter. It mirrors an Oct. 12, 2022 proposal from the union.
Appendix H
Parties tentatively agreed upon the contract language for Appendix H, which concerns parking rates.
Ground rules
The ground rules for bargaining negotiations were tentatively agreed upon by both parties Aug. 11, 2021.
Extension of previous contract
The previous AR contact between the UC system and the UAW Local 5810 was originally slated to be in effect until Sept. 30, 2020. That contract barred the union from authorizing strikes that interfere with the UC system’s operations. It was only extended to Oct. 31, 2022.
Student researchers
Student researchers, or SRs, are students employed to conduct research at the UC system. They are represented by Student Researchers United, or SRU-UAW. Like the UAW Local 5810 and the UAW Local 2865, SRU-UAW is also unionized with the United Auto Workers, or UAW.
The UC system agreed to recognize the SRU-UAW Dec. 8, 2021. The union and the UC system tentatively agreed upon the entire contract Dec. 16, and SRU-UAW membership ratified it Dec. 23 by a UC systemwide vote. The first contract of its kind between the SRU-UAW and the UC system, it should remain in effect until May 31, 2025.
As of Dec. 16, 2022 at 10:51 p.m., 43 tentative agreements were met between the UC system and the SRU-UAW.
Access needs and reasonable accommodations
SRU-UAW and the UC system arrived at a tentative agreement on access needs Oct. 31, 2022, as part of a package of proposals.
Anti-bullying and respectful work environment
The union and the UC system signed a tentative agreement on anti-bullying Sept. 29, 2022. The agreement provides examples of abusive conduct, which should be reported to the UC system and may result in an investigation.
Appointment notification
On Nov. 20, 2022, a proposal for the appointment notification article was tentatively agreed upon.
Appointment security
On Nov. 11, 2022, a proposal for the appointment security article was tentatively agreed upon.
Childcare
On April 22, 2022, SRU-UAW proposed that the UC system reimburse SRs for child care costs up to $6000 per quarter and $9000 per semester. In response, the UC system offered maximum reimbursements of less than $6000 per year. The Dec. 16 tentative agreement guarantees $1400 per fiscal quarter starting Oct. 1, 2024.
Community safety
Despite past negotiations, the tentative contract agreement does not contain this article.
Defined contribution and university retirement plan(s)
SRU-UAW’s and the UC system’s negotiations on SRs’ retirement plans arrived at a tentative agreement Nov. 11, 2022.
Discipline and dismissal
Negotiations for the procedures and grounds for disciplining and dismissing SRs reached a tentative agreement.
Duration
The contract should terminate May 31, 2025, by the tentative agreement on this new contract.
Emergency layoff
The Nov. 11, 2022, tentative agreement does not require the UC system to pay SRs during an emergency layoff.
Employment file and evaluations
Employment files and employment evaluations are defined in a tentative agreement from May 27, 2022. The agreement also details how SRs may access them.
Grievance and arbitration
On Nov. 13, 2022, a proposal for grievances and arbitrations was tentatively agreed upon. This agreement details the processes and guidelines concerning grievances filed against the university.
Health and safety
On Aug. 26, 2022, a proposal for health and safety was tentatively agreed upon This agreement details health and safety procedures that Graduate SR’s must abide by.
Health benefits
A tentative agreement was reached Dec. 16.
Holidays
On April 22, 2022, a proposal for observed holidays was tentatively agreed upon. This agreement details which days of the year the UC system observes as holidays
Housing
The UAW withdrew this article by a Dec. 16 tentative agreement.
Immigration
The SRU-UAW and the UC system arrived at a tentative agreement Nov. 20, 2022. The tentative agreement provides that the joint labor management committee should discuss issues arising from this article.
Labor-management meetings
The SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on labor-management meetings. This agreement details the policies pertaining to quarterly system-wide meetings between the SRU-UAW and the University.
Layoffs
The UC system proposal withdrew its proposal for the layoffs article.
Leaves
The tentative agreement details eligibility for and duration of different kinds of leaves.
Management and academic rights
A tentative agreement was reached Dec. 16.
Nondiscrimination in employment
The SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on the nondiscrimination in employment article Oct. 6, 2022. This agreement lists the forms of discrimination the UC system is prohibited from committing.
No strikes
A tentative agreement was reached Dec. 16, prohibiting authorization of strikes by the union.
Parking and transit
On Nov. 30, 2022, negotiations between parties resulted in a tentative agreement on parking and transit policies.
Past practices
The SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on past practices as of Aug. 5, 2022.
Posting
The SRU-UAW withdrew this article Nov. 11, 2022. The union’s April 22, 2022 proposal for the article, however, asked the UC system to post employment opportunities for SRs on campus websites.
Recognition
A tentative agreement reached Dec. 16 determined the groups that should be represented by the SRU-UAW. All are graduate student positions.
Relocation benefits
The UAW withdrew this article by a Dec. 16 tentative agreement.
Severability
As of May 13, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on the severability article.
Training
As of July 20, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system tentatively agreed that required training should be on paid time.
Transitional funding
The union’s July 13, 2022, proposal pertained to the funds provided to SRs to aid in their transitions from "unhealthy or unproductive research situations." The UAW withdrew this article by a Dec. 16 tentative agreement.
Travel
As of May 27, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement. The agreement pertains to reimbursements for travel required by SRs’ work-related business.
Tuition and fee remission
The SRU-UAW and the UC system have yet to reach an agreement on tuition and fee remission.
Union access and rights
The SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on this article Nov. 14, 2022.
Union security
The SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on the union security article as of Nov. 14, 2022.
Vacation and personal time off
By a Nov. 30, 2022 tentative agreement, SRs should receive twelve workdays of personal time off per year.
Wages
A tentative agreement on the wages article was reached Dec. 16 after more than 15 back-and-forth proposals and packages from both parties. Despite having reached an agreement, the proposal history is included in this tool.
Waiver
As of Aug. 5, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on the waiver article.
Work-incurred injury or illness
The SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on the work-incurred injury or illness article Nov. 18, 2022.
Workload, time and effort
As of Oct. 18, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on the workload, time and effort article. It pertains to the workload and responsibilities of SRs.
Workplace safety and diversity
The UAW withdrew this article by a Dec. 16 tentative agreement.
Workspace materials and support
The SRU-UAW and the UC system reached a tentative agreement on workspace materials and support April 29, 2022.
Summer support fund side letter
Negotiations for this side letter are still in negotiation. The first proposal came from the UC system in December 2022.
Joint labor management committee side letter
As of Oct. 13, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on this side letter.
Berkeley side letter
The first proposal for this side letter was introduced by the UC system Dec. 4, 2022.
UCSF side letter
The first proposal for this side letter was introduced by the UC system Dec. 4, 2022. The side letter saw a tentative agreement shortly after on Dec. 16.
Arbitrator panel
As of Nov. 18, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system tentatively agreed on the panel of arbitrators.
Ground rules
As of April 22, 2022, the SRU-UAW and the UC system have reached a tentative agreement on five “ground rules” for bargaining.
Work-incurred injury or illness side letter
A tentative agreement on this side letter to the work-incurred injury or illness article was met Nov. 18, 2022.
Appendix XX
By the tentative agreement on the union security article, Appendix XX should accompany the membership election form.
Union security side letter
This side letter to the union security article was tentatively agreed upon Nov. 16, 2022.
Leaves side letter
Language for this side letter on leaves was tentatively agreen upon Dec. 16.
UAW bargaining units maintain Google Sheets that track contract negotiations for ASEs, ARs, postdocs and SRs.
Cameron Fozi is the projects editor. Contact him at cfozi@dailycal.org, and follow him on Twitter at @cmrnfzi.
Sanjana Fernando is a projects developer. Contact them at sfernando@dailycal.org, and follow them on Twitter at @sjayfern.
Nibras Suliman is a projects developer. Contact her at nsuliman@dailycal.org, and follow her on Twitter at @NibrasSuliman.
Arfa Momin is a projects developer. Contact her at amomin@dailycal.org, and follow her on Twitter at @arfamomin.
About this story
This project was developed by the Projects Department at The Daily Californian.
Information for this project come from four Google Sheets tracking the bargaining process between the UC system and various unions.
Questions, comments or corrections? Email projects@dailycal.org.
Code, data and text are open-source on GitHub.
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