Bargaining Update from the week of 2/14
We had two bargaining sessions last week, on Tuesday 2/15 and on Friday 2/18. We passed a proposal on Leaves of Absence which would expand our paid family leave benefit to 12 weeks and ensure that all parental leave is at 100% pay. On Tuesday, UC’s lead negotiator claimed that our proposal is “unrealistic” while refusing to explain why this is so. Federal employees already receive 12 weeks of pay for parental leave and multiple studies from UC researchers and the World Health Organization have recommended at least 12 weeks to promote the mental and physical health of both parents and children, and to promote gender equity for Postdocs.
PERB issues another complaint against UC for unlawful bargaining
On Thursday, the State of California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) issued a third complaint against UC for unlawful actions during Postdoc bargaining. UCSD attempted to undermine the bargaining process by surveying Postdocs about working conditions (including salary and benefits) without notifying our union and while bargaining was underway. We have already made proposals on these topics and if UC wants Postdocs’ opinions, we’re happy to give them at the bargaining table. By undermining good faith bargaining, UC’s actions disrespect Postdocs and are counterproductive to reaching timely agreement on the outstanding proposals.
This is not the first time that PERB has cited UC for Unfair Labor Practices during this round of contract negotiations. Back in December, PERB found UC in violation of the law for refusing to bargain over anti-bullying provisions, and for imposing additional visa fees on international Postdocs. By repeatedly breaking the law, UC is wasting time and resources which would be better spent on addressing the issues that Postdocs want to see improved, like advancing protections against bullying, increasing paid family leave and childcare subsidies, improving rights for international scholars, increasing compensation and housing support, and more.
Housing Actions across the State!
Last week, thousands of UAW 5810, UAW 2865, and Student Researchers United members joined together to demand action to address rent burden at UCR, UCSD, UCLA, UCB/LBL, UCI and UCM. Check out this video from UCSD and these photos of scenes from UCSD (right) and UCB and UCLA (below).
Join upcoming housing actions at UCSF, UCSB, and UCD
The housing actions continue at UCSF, UCSB and UCD this week and next, click here for details and to RSVP. By taking action together, we can show the University that they need to take our bargaining demands seriously.
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 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
Follow your union on Twitter @UAW5810!