In bargaining sessions on November 21 and 22, Caltech and the Caltech Graduate Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU-UAW) reached a tentative agreement on the emergency fund for graduate students, recognition, and union security articles, and made significant progress on a benefits proposal.
In the article on union recognition, the parties followed language issued by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in its certification and agreed that certain postdoctoral scholars employed externally are excluded.
The parties also reached a tentative agreement to maintain the Emergency Fund administered by the Office of Graduate Studies, which provides students with access to financial support when faced with an emergency or unexpected situation that impacts their ability to effectively continue their studies.
Finally, the parties reached an agreement on union security, permitting graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who are represented by the CGPU-UAW to join the union or opt out. The article sets out provisions for payment of union dues, or alternative fees/contributions for those who opt out, allowing unit members to make free associational choices.
The parties found common ground on many healthcare and benefits concepts. The CGPU-UAW withdrew its proposals on housing, relocation, intellectual property, and respect as a part of research.
Since bargaining began in May, the parties have reached tentative agreements on 31 provisions, which represents a pace well ahead of the industry-average of a year-plus negotiation timeline.
Details on past bargaining sessions and tentative agreements reached to date are provided in previous updates. Caltech and CGPU-UAW plan to meet again in person in mid-December to continue bargaining in good faith toward a first contract.