We had a 4-hour bargaining session with UC on Tuesday. Here are the highlights — we reached tentative agreements on 3 articles: Titles and Classifications, Personal Time Off, and Sick Leave. In Titles and Classifications, there is now language that requires the university to carefully consider Postdoc applications for PI status. For PTO and Sick Leave, we stopped UC’s attempts to reduce PTO and Sick Leave. All Postdocs will still receive 24 days of PTO and 12 days of sick leave per year up front when beginning their appointments. You can find these proposals amongst all others on this tracker.
We also proposed a professional development package that included quarterly visa/immigration workshops led by immigration attorneys that would be open to all Postdocs and co-organized by our union and UC. For international Postdocs, knowing your visa/immigration options is essential to making a career in the US, so this would be an important improvement. We are waiting for UC’s response to this proposal.
As for the lowlights, UC’s team bizarrely claimed that their nondiscrimination proposal — which would remove enforceable timelines from investigation and resolution processes of discrimination and harassment claims — was good for Postdocs. We know that justice delayed is justice denied, especially on the short timescales of Postdoc positions. In our 2010 and 2016 contracts, we fought hard and won a grievance procedure makes sure that discrimination and harassment in the workplace are addressed swiftly and while prioritizing a Postdoc’s wellbeing, and this is something we will not give up.
Meanwhile, UC’s team claims they need to consult with mysterious “senior leadership” teams before passing us proposals…who are these people, and why aren’t they at the bargaining table? UC has the obligation to send representatives to the table who can make these kinds of decisions.
Help win strong anti-bullying language. Share your story.
We’re still pushing to win real, enforceable anti-bullying protections. We’ve already heard from a number of Postdocs who have faced harrowing experiences, but more examples of how anti-bullying protections could have helped you will help make the case. We will keep all responses confidential and will discuss with you about how your story will be used. Fill out this form and check the box if you are willing to share your story publicly.
Member participation is critical to winning a strong contract. The bargaining committee holds weekly meetings that are open to all Postdoc members. There are lots of ways to get involved to fight for issues you’re passionate about! Click here to get involved!
In solidarity,
Postdoc Bargaining Team and Alternates
Sarah Arveson, UC Berkeley
Gilbert Bernstein, UC Berkeley
Chris Hart, UC Davis
Tim Kodalle, LBL
Jesse Livezey, LBL
Brad Barker, UC Merced
Ingrid Padilla Espinosa, UC Merced
Tyler Bell, UC San Diego
Adam Caparco, UC San Diego
Jade Moore, UC San Francisco
Anne Sapiro, UC San Francisco
Caitlin Taylor, UC Santa Barbara
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