6,500 University of California postdoctoral researchers reach tentative agreement for historic first union contract

Postdoctoral Researchers Organize/UAW (PRO/UAW), the union representing 6,500 postdoctoral researchers in the University of California (UC) system, reached a tentative agreement with university administrators Aug. 1.

The tentative agreement will be put before the PRO/UAW membership for ratification in the coming week. Details will be forthcoming upon ratification.

"This is a great tentative agreement," said Xiaoqing Cao, a biochemist from UCLA and member of the PRO/UAW bargaining committee.  "We've improved compensation and our rights at UC and have helped set standards for postdocs across the country."

"Our members conduct the cutting-edge research that makes UC a great university and moves society forward," said Jim Wells, UAW Region 5 director. "We are pleased to see these newest members getting more of the respect, compensation and recognition that they deserve for the important work they do."

Postdoctoral researchers provide valuable research on cancer, stem cells, climate change, alternative fuels, and many other cutting-edge fields in science and engineering. UC's researchers represent about 10 percent of postdocs in the United States.

"This agreement demonstrates that when workers come together to form unions -- no matter where they work -- they can achieve great things," said UAW President Bob King.

The UAW represents more than 45,000 members in higher education, including postdoctoral researchers, teaching assistants, researcher assistants, faculty, administrators, clerical workers and other support staff.