How do we harness our collective strength as unionized academic employees to fight climate change? At the bargaining table, all four UAW-represented units at UC (Postdocs, Academic Researchers, Teaching Assistants and Student Researchers) have proposed measures to reduce carbon emissions by supporting workers who commute via sustainable forms of transportation. And during last Thursday’s bargaining session — while an unprecedented, deadly heat wave raged across the world — the Postdoc Bargaining Team gave a detailed presentation to UC on how they can help reduce carbon emissions by subsidizing alternate forms of transit in our contracts.
Other universities across the country provide free transit passes to all students and employees, and some UC campuses have already begun implementing programs to reduce the amount of car transit to campus. But the University of California needs a comprehensive, coordinated and multi-pronged attack. That’s why our bargaining proposal includes:
- Free public transit passes for all workers who want them
- Cash incentives for workers who pledge not to drive alone to UC
- Subsidies for the purchase and maintenance of bikes
- A commitment from UC to improve biking infrastructure on campus, including providing safe bike parking and access to bike maintenance facilities
The crisis of human-caused climate change becomes more visible every day. In California, the largest source of carbon emissions come from transportation, including single-occupancy vehicles. UC’s own workforce produces millions of vehicle miles (VMT) per week. As the largest employer in the state, UC has a unique responsibility to take action to curb emissions.
You can help push UC to lead on climate issues by taking action to support bargaining. Fill out this form to get involved with organizing for our climate demands. A leader from your campus will reach out to talk about next steps.
In solidarity,
Postdoc Bargaining Team and Alternates
Anne Klotz, UC Berkeley
Raul Rodriguez, UC Berkeley
Chris Hart, UC Davis
Adam Davis, UC Davis
Zack Urbach, UC Irvine
Bryan Neumann, UC Irvine
Tim Kodalle, LBL
Jesse Livezey, LBL
James Boocock, UC Los Angeles
Brad Barker, UC Merced
Ingrid Padilla Espinosa, UC Merced
Tyler Bell, UC San Diego
Adam Caparco, UC San Diego
Jade Moore, UC San Francisco
Evan Plunkett, UC Santa Barbara
Tejas Navaratna, UC Santa Barbara
Jordan Eizenga, UC Santa Cruz
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