UC Postdoctoral Scholars and Academic Researchers Ratify Contract, Agree to Return to Work

Dear Bruin Community:

We are pleased to share that University of California (UC) postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) have ratified new contracts and agreed to return to work immediately.

The five-year contracts include multiyear pay increases, transit benefits and improved job security for both postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers, as well as enhanced paid family leave and expanded childcare benefits for postdoctoral scholars. The contracts, which place UC’s compensation and benefits among the most substantial offered by any university, are effective through September 2027.

In addition, at the mutual agreement of the parties, former California Senate Speaker Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg will serve as mediator in the negotiations between the university and the two bargaining units still negotiating contracts, graduate student researchers (GSRs) and academic student employees (ASEs). Steinberg, the current mayor of Sacramento, is a graduate of UCLA and UC Davis Law School with deep expertise in labor matters.

We are encouraged that postdoctoral scholars and academic researchers have agreed to return to work and are hopeful that agreements can be reached soon with the remaining bargaining units.

Information and resources related to the current negotiations and academic enterprise during the strike are available on the Strike Updates and Support web page.

Darnell Hunt
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost

Michael S. Levine
Vice Chancellor for Academic Personnel

Lubbe Levin
Associate Vice Chancellor, Campus Human Resources