SUBJECT:

Extension of PX (Postdoc) Contract

UC and the United Autoworkers (UAW), the union that represents the 6,500 postdocs at UC, have agreed to extend the 2010 contract with a few modifications, for an additional year. The decision to extend the contract for one year was due in part because of the uncertainty of the U.S. Department of Labor's proposal on overtime exemption and the impact of that regulation on postdoctoral scholars. The new contract is effective November 1, 2015 (date of ratification by UAW membership) through September 30, 2016. In June of 2016, the parties will return to the bargaining table to begin negotiations for a successor agreement.

Highlights of the contract extension are:

- Wages: Continue to follow the National Institute of Health's NRSA pay scale, and postdocs would continue to receive an increase at time of reappointment or anniversary date.

- Healthcare: Continue with same low cost insurance plans. Added voluntary additional life insurance (premiums paid by the postdoc).

- Childcare: Create a Family-Friendly Committee consisting of UC and UAW representatives to explore options for providing childcare to postdocs.

- Career development: Agreed professional development is an important part of postdoctoral activities and plans should be described in an Individual Development Plan (IDP). Costs for activities outlined in an IDP may be covered if funding is available.

The full contract is available at
http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/px/index.html For questions, please contact Jennifer Oh, Director Academic Research Scholars (jenn@ucsd.edu; (858) 534-6632).

Sandra A. Brown Vice Chancellor - Research