Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Scholar Unionization

In an election for two separate bargaining units, Caltech graduate students and postdoctoral scholars voted, on January 31, 2024, and February 1, 2024, to be represented by the Caltech Grad Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU), affiliated with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) reported that of the tallied ballots, 799 (76%) of graduate students who participated in the election voted in favor of representation. Of the tallied ballots in the postdoctoral scholars' election, 240 postdoctoral scholars (83%) of the postdoctoral scholars who participated in the election voted in favor of representation.

Moving forward, all graduate students and all postdoctoral scholars in the approved bargaining units will be represented collectively by CGPU-UAW on matters concerning the terms and conditions of their research or teaching appointments, including wages, benefits, and other working conditions. Caltech's representatives expect to meet with CGPU-UAW leaders to begin the process of collective bargaining.

Updated on February 21, 2024