During last Thursday’s bargaining session (our first since the beginning of August) we finally saw movement from UC on some of our highest priorities! Here are the highlights:
CHILDCARE: After years of Postdocs organizing to win a childcare subsidy, UC’s team verbally agreed to include childcare reimbursement in our new contract! This is a huge step and shows that our organizing is working — but UC has made verbal promises on childcare (and numerous other issues) before. So we have to make sure we keep pushing to hold UC to its promise.
BULLYING PROTECTIONS: UC moved closer to our demand for real, enforceable anti-bullying protections but they are still insisting that any grievance that includes bullying would be placed on hold indefinitely. This is not acceptable because justice delayed is justice denied.
HEALTHCARE: UC responded (again verbally) to our proposal to improve the benefits in our health plan — we had proposed improving infertility care, acupuncture coverage, and vision coverage. We asked for them to send their proposal in writing so we can evaluate it. UC is still proposing to increase premium costs and co-pays for Postdocs.
UNION SECURITY: After claiming for months that the long-standing contract provision of providing union membership forms to all new Postdocs was against the law, UC reversed its position and made a proposal that would continue this practice. While we are pleased that UC has backed off of this position, it is just another example of the University bargaining team manufacturing unnecessary and absurd arguments that delay reaching resolution on a new contract.
The collective action Postdocs have taken in the past few weeks and months has resulted in significant progress on some key topics. But it will take all of us organizing and escalating our tactics to win important improvements including livable wages, rights for international scholars including longer appointment lengths, increased paid family leave, free transit passes, and anti-bullying protections.
How do we win? UNITE AND FIGHT!
Sign up here to get involved to make sure Postdocs get justice in our new contract — a fellow UAW 5810 Postdoc will reach out to plug you into organizing in your department and at your campus.
Don’t forget – all members are also welcome to attend our bargaining sessions with UC. You can click here to RSVP for bargaining, and both sides’ proposals are available on the tracking sheet.
In solidarity,
Postdoc Bargaining Team and Alternates
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