On December 9, 2022 Academic Researchers ratified a new contract. Highlights of the new contract include: 

• Compensation that addresses cost of living
  • A typical Academic Researcher will receive 29% in salary increases (between scale and merit increases) over the life of the contract
  • An Assistant Project Scientist hired in July 2022 would see their compensation increase by $3,078 by July 2023, by an additional $6,395 by July 2024, and by $19,423 by the end of the contract.
  • A Junior Specialist hired in July 2022 would see their compensation increase by $5,459 by July 2023; if they continued as an Assistant Specialist their salary would increase by an additional $6,668 by July 2024, and by a total of $20,620 over the life of the contract.
• 8 Weeks of Parental and Family Leave paid at 100%, up from 70% pay
• Better job security: Longer appointments before merit review, and fewer exceptions to 1-year minimum appointments 
• All ARs are now eligible to apply for PI status and UC commits to meet with the Union to discuss the expansion of Bridge Funding Programs at each campus
• New Respectful Work Environment Article including industry-setting protections against abusive conduct and bullying that are fully grievable and arbitable 
• Protections for workers with disabilities that go beyond the ADA, guaranteeing interim accommodations while the interactive process is ongoing 
• Commitment to implement free transit passes within 3 years, and a commitment to bargain if free passes have not been implemented in that timeframe
• E-bike discounts of at least 15%
• An improved Union Security article to keep our union strong, and a better Grievance and Arbitration process to enforce the contract