Students who work as teachers and researchers while obtaining their graduate degrees accepted an agreement to increase the salaries of the lowest paid workers by up to 80%; the agreement enters into force immediately

Graduate student workers at the University of California (UC) approved a bargaining agreement Friday to end an unprecedented 40-day strike.

Union representatives reported that the majority of striking graduate students and teaching assistants approved two contracts to formally end the work stoppage.

Salaries for those who work as teachers and researchers while earning their graduate degrees will increase by as much as 80% for some of the lowest-paid workers, and all employees will see a pay increase, union representatives said.

The contracts also enhance benefits to help workers cover child care and health costs.

Bargaining units were represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

“The dramatic improvements in our wages and working conditions are the result of tens of thousands of workers coming together on strike,” stated UAW 2865 President Rafael Jaime.

“These agreements redefine what is possible in terms of how universities support their workers, who are the backbone of their research and education enterprise,” added the union leader.

The university system said the new contracts will take effect immediately and run through May 31, 2025.

“The endorsement once again demonstrates the University’s strong commitment to providing each of our hard-working employees with competitive compensation and benefits packages that honor their many contributions to our institution, our community, and the state of California,” said the UC in a statement.

The new employment contracts cover some 36,000 workers, many of whom earn about $24,000 a year, a paltry salary to live in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego or Berkeley, where UC has campuses.

The UAW union said the strike, which began in mid-November, was the largest among academic workers and was being watched by other college campuses across the country.

Some 12,000 workers who were also on strike, mainly postdoctoral students and academic researchers, had already ratified a contract agreement that will increase their pay by 29%, as well as better family leave, childcare allowances and job security.

The strike lasted a month before a tentative agreement was reached. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg acted as mediator after several failed attempts to reach a settlement.

By the end of 2024, the minimum wage for teaching assistants will be at least $36,000, with higher pay for students on campuses in particularly expensive cities.

Graduate research students will earn at least $40,000, according to union representatives.

Workers can get child care subsidies of more than $2,000 per semester.

A group of skilled “Strike to Win” workers called on workers to vote against the tentative agreement, arguing that it had failed to meet demands for a base salary of $54,000, plus financial support for international students, $2,000 per month. for child care subsidies and greater protections for individuals. with disabilities.

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