Caltech's collective bargaining representatives met with the elected representatives and union staff members from the Caltech Graduate Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU-UAW) on July 24, July 25, and July 26. The bargaining sessions will continue next week through July 31.
Adding to the eleven tentative agreements that the parties previously reached, which were noted in prior updates, the parties covered many articles and topics of interest, reaching tentative agreements on four provisions:
- Job Expectations and Scheduling of Work: The article documents shared expectations for reasonable hours, notice for schedule changes or requirements, and encourages unit members and supervisors to discuss and reach agreement on related matters at a local level. The article makes clear that "work schedules shall be related to the research needs of the project, with the emphasis placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position, making progress toward the project's goal, and demonstrating research and creative capabilities, rather than on working a specified number of hours or a specific shift every day." The article also sets forth a common understanding that the Institute maintains the right to set academic expectation and define degree requirements.
- Holidays: The article codifies, consistent with Institute policy and practice for Institute employees, Caltech's 10 observed holiday days, two floating holidays, and special release days.
- Retirement: Consistent with current Institute plan policies and requirements, the article states that unit members have access to the Institute-provided retirement benefits.
- Transit and Parking: The article confirms the parties' mutual interest in sustainability and reducing individuals' carbon footprints, and outlines, among other things, unit members' access to Institute transit and parking programs in line with that goal. This includes access to the Metro U-Pass, E-Pass, transit monthly subsidies, and parking programs provided to Institute staff.
All agreed upon articles will have to be ratified once the full contract is negotiated.