We are pleased to report that Caltech and the Caltech Graduate Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU-UAW) have reached tentative agreement on a first contract for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars.
Reached after just seven months of highly productive bargaining, the agreement reinforces the Institute's commitment to educate, train, and support the best and brightest scientists and engineers, and to ensure that the Caltech environment supports all members of our community in advancing groundbreaking research and discovery.
Consistent with those objectives, the agreement provides protections from discrimination, harassment, and bullying; reinforces the shared commitment of Caltech and CGPU-UAW to free speech and expression; and affords members expanded financial benefits and protections for bonding and parental leave, childcare, visa and immigration support services, and increased healthcare coverage subsidies for unit members and their families. The agreement also ensures both parties' mutual understanding that questions of academic judgment and academic decisions—including on matters related to faculty hiring, promotion, and tenure; student admissions and appointments; and academic standards, progress, and degree requirements—remain in the Institute's sole discretion.
The Institute and CGPU-UAW together believe that the terms set forth in the agreement will help our community stay steadfast and recover more readily from the impact of this month's LA fires. We want to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of this comprehensive agreement.
Graduate students and postdoctoral scholars will vote on ratification of the tentative agreement January 28 to January 29. If ratified, the contract will take effect April 1, 2025, and remain in effect through July 14, 2027. Further information will be forthcoming as it becomes available.