Workers Reach Deal at University of California

"Academic workers at the University of California reached a tentative settlement on Friday, potentially drawing to an end one of the most disruptive work actions in American higher education.

If the deal is approved by 36,000 graduate student workers, it would increase minimum pay by about $10,000 to $34,000 for nine months of part-time work, according to a statement from UC President Michael Drake.

"This is a positive step forward for the University and for our students, and I am grateful for the progress we have made together," said Dr. Drake. "Our Academic Student Employees and Graduate Student Researchers are central to our academic enterprise."

Over 2 1/2 years, workers would see raises of up to 66%, according to a statement released by the union.

"This is truly a historic win for all the workers who went on strike," said Rafael Jaime, president of United Auto Workers Local 2865. "The contract really does submit a new standard for teachers in higher education and we are very proud of [what] we were able to achieve."

The strike has lasted 32 days, upending classes at the 10 UC campuses, canceling some lectures and disrupting final exams. In total, 48,000 academic workers walked off their jobs last month. Strikers were represented by the UAW. Hundreds of faculty supported the strike.

Last week, both sides agreed to bring in an independent mediator, Darrell Steinberg, the mayor of Sacramento and former leader of the state senate. Beyond salary increases, the agreement also includes child care reimbursements.

Last month, the bargaining unit representing about a quarter of the strikers reached an agreement with the university. Postdocs will see a salary increase of up to 23% by next fall and $2,500 annual child-care subsidies.

The strike was closely watched by colleges and universities across the country as labor unrest among contingent faculty and graduate student employees has simmered." [1]

1.  U.S. News: Workers Reach Deal at University of California
Belkin, Douglas.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 19 Dec 2022: A.3.