UC Strike Partially Ends as Postdocs and Academic Researchers Ratify Contracts
Mediator Appointed to Help University and Remaining Workers on Strike Reach a Deal
On Monday, 12,000 of the 48,000 striking academic workers across University of California campuses returned to work after ratifying their new contracts, partially ending the largest higher education strike in U.S. history. But the thousands who remain on strike for better pay and benefits include those who teach undergrads and assign their grades, leaving many UC students in an uncertain spot as they head into winter break.
On Friday evening following a weeklong voting process, 89 percent of postdoctoral scholars and 79 percent of academic researchers at UC voted to ratify their new contracts. Their new agreements include salary increases that address the cost of living, as well as eight weeks of fully paid family and parental leave, and industry-standard-setting protections against bullying and abusive conduct. The agreements also include new rights for international scholars and for postdocs and academic researchers with disabilities.
The two bargaining units initially reached tentative agreements on November 29, the 15th day of the statewide strike. Ratification of the contracts came on the 25th day of the strike, which is still ongoing for graduate student researchers and academic student employees, including teaching assistants and tutors.
