30 Nov UC Confirms Agreement With Striking Postdocs, Researchers

(Jonathan Hale / The CC Pulse file)

By Keith Burbank
Bay City News

Postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers at the University of California reached a tentative agreement with university officials following a contract dispute that sent the workers to the picket lines, 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 have not confirmed whether they have not responded to that proposal by student researchers.

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