We met with UC on August 12th to continue negotiations for a new and improved AR contract covering Project Scientists, Specialists, Professional Researchers and CPPs. We had prepared several proposals and presentations for this day-long session.
- We gave the UC a detailed presentation of the dire effects of climate change in our state. We presented a breadth of research showing the need to implement programs to encourage alternative transportation to single car use. UC’s has been very public about their intentions to become carbon-neutral, and we are demanding specific meaningful actions from our employer. We highlighted the immense benefits of employer incentive programs that have proven to curb single car commuting. Unfortunately, UC insisted that transportation is an individual choice, and indicated that they are not interested in addressing the impacts of transportation on climate change in a system-wide manner!
- We gave UC a proposal on Benefits and Retirement Programs and on expanded coverage we would like to see in our health insurance starting in 2023. We proposed lower premium costs for all ARs and their dependents. In addition, we asked UC to expand insurance coverage for mental health benefits, transgender care and fertility treatments such as IVF.
- On the topic of Housing, we proposed that ARs should be eligible for housing loan assistance programs at the same level as UC faculty. In addition, we presented a Housing and Relocation article demanding more affordable university housing be made available to ARs, housing subsidies for ARs to live closer to their campus without extreme rent burden, and relocation reimbursement for new ARs.
- In our newest proposal on Leaves of Absence, we argued that ARs should be able to use time off for family care and baby bonding in a flexible manner, as this benefits both the AR and their research projects.
- In our new Grievance & Arbitration proposal, we continue to demand a fair, speedy and transparent process! Our ability to file and enforce our rights through grievances is one of the many ways we can support each other and get reprieve in bad situations, and it is vital that this process empowers Academic Researchers.
- UC gave us a package proposal with only a single new proposal on Union Security. That package otherwise included status quo on the articles on Appointments, Corrective Action and Dismissal, Layoffs, and merit reviews (in the title series-specific articles), and fewer rights for ARs on Grievance & Arbitration and Parking & Transportation. These proposals do not come close to what the Academic Researchers across all UC campuses need or want. We will continue to fight for a better contract!
- We did sign a tentative agreement on the current protections of our Health & Safety article.
This tracker shows all the proposals that have been exchanged so far, and has links to every document if you would like to have a closer read. Our next bargaining will take place on August 26th via Zoom. Please fill out this RSVP form if you’d like to attend and listen in, or simply reply to this email if you’d like to get more involved!
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Please sign up to be a dues-paying member of your union! Our leverage at the bargaining table is directly related to the number of ARs who are dues-paying members. If you’re not currently a member, or you are not sure, please click here to join!
In solidarity,
Bargaining Team members and alternates:
Howard Isaacson, UC Berkeley
Stacey S. Frederick, UC Berkeley
Paul Lott, UC Davis
Conor White, UC Davis
Mia Villegas, UC Irvine
Gabriel Edwards, UCLA
Tony Shahin, UC Merced
Sonia Podvin, UC San Diego
Chunnan Hsu, UC San Diego
Luke Russell Bonser, UCSF
Vitor Hugo Serrão, UC Santa Cruz
Margherita Zavatta, UC Santa Cruz