Progress Made as BR/BX Contract Negotiations Continue

The University of California continued bargaining with the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 4811 union on September 16. The two parties are currently negotiating a new contract for Graduate Student Researchers (GSRs) and Academic Student Employees (ASEs).

During the session, UC made proposals on appointments, appointment security, ASE workload, ASE summer session, and reasonable accommodations.

UAW passed proposals on training and orientation, health benefits, and reasonable accommodation. 

The parties were able to reach a tentative agreement on the reasonable accommodations article. So far, UC and UAW have made progress by reaching seven other tentative agreements on health and safety, reasonable accommodation, job posting, severability, travel, work-related injury or illness, and workspace and instructional support. 

UC values academic student employees and graduate student researchers’ contributions and remains committed to negotiating a fair contract. Federal funding cuts and broad financial pressures severely impair the University’s ability to sustain its teaching and research missions. Consequently, it is imperative that bargaining focuses on constructive solutions that protect students, patients, and the university community. The two parties meet again on September 30.