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UC Opens Contract Negotiations with UAW Over Contract for Postdoctoral Scholars
[January 12, 2009]
In the first step of the collective bargaining process, negotiators from the University and the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America exchanged preliminary bargaining proposals for an initial contract for UC postdoctoral scholars. These initial proposals are part of the public notice process mandated by HEERA, and may be viewed online here.
The University and the UAW will begin active negotiations on February 5-6 in Oakland. During this first session, each party will explain the reasons it is proposing language on each issue. UC and the UAW will also discuss ground rules for negotiations, and will work to establish a schedule for the first few months of negotiations.
More information will be posted to this site as it becomes available.
UC GOALS
The University bases its bargaining positions on UC's commitment to providing a stimulating, positive, and constructive experience for the postdoctoral scholar, by emphasizing the mutual commitment and responsibility of the institution and its employees.
UC's major goals for this year's negotiations are to ensure that the terms and conditions of employment of postdoctoral scholars remain nationally competitive in order to retain and attract talented postdoctoral scholars. The University will also aim to provide an environment which maximizes the postdoctoral scholars research and mentoring experience.
IMPORTANCE OF POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS PARTICIPATION AND UNDERSTANDING OF ISSUES
The agreements made between UC and the UAW will impact postdoctoral scholars directly. Therefore, it's very important that employees educate themselves about both parties' proposals and stay informed throughout the process. For employees who are new to UC or the collective bargaining process, it's especially important to understand how the negotiation process works; the rights and responsibilities of participants; and the mutual obligation of both parties to honor the process and bargain in good faith. As one of many sources of information, postdoctoral scholars can learn about and follow what's occurring in bargaining by visiting the University's web site. The web site also contains valuable background information about the collective bargaining process, and The Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), the law that governs contract negotiations and sets forth the obligations and responsibilities for participants, including employees.
UC'S COMMITMENT TO FAIR NEGOTIATIONS AND RESOLVING DISPUTES
UC remains fully committed to conducting fair, respectful, efficient negotiations. There may be differences of opinion expressed by each of the parties during the contract negation process. UC supports that process and remains committed to utilizing the bargaining table as the proper place to resolve those differences of opinion and work constructively toward win-win solutions.