UC-UAW Labor Negotiation Updates

Dear Tritons,

As we enter the second week of strike activity by the four UC academic employee groups represented by the UAW on University of California campuses, we are writing to share additional information in response to many questions that have arisen recently.

Labor Negotiations Continue
The UC remains committed to bargaining in good faith and reaching agreements as soon as possible. The offers on the table from the UC are equivalent to or beyond the level of what is offered to similar employee groups at peer institutions, both public and private. Negotiations are ongoing and tentative agreements have been reached on several important topics such as ensuring a respectful work environment and various health and safety matters.

The contributions of postdoctoral scholars, academic researchers, academic student employees (teaching assistants, readers and tutors) and graduate student researchers to UC San Diego’s teaching and research mission are deeply appreciated. We know that the strike is disruptive to the academic environment on campus for all concerned and we remain hopeful for a timely resolution.

Contract negotiations are handled by the UC Office of the President. If you have questions about the status of bargaining, please consult the UC-UAW negotiations update page. For answers to UC San Diego-specific questions, please consult the Labor Negotiations Update webpage.

If you have concerns about labor actions or activities during the strike or questions about how to appropriately communicate with UAW members whom you supervise, please reach out to Labor Relations directly at laborrelations@ucsd.edu and they will advise you about your best course of action.

Continuation of Academic Activity
While labor negotiations proceed and the strike is ongoing, class sessions, examinations, and other academic activities are still continuing and the university expects that academic work will be completed.

Instructors are encouraged to reach out to the Teaching + Learning Commons for assistance in developing alternative strategies that will enable students to complete coursework. We understand that this situation is challenging and requires many to make difficult decisions. We greatly appreciate your resiliency and dedication to student learning during this time.

Safety in Labs and Research Spaces
As always, we need to work together to protect the safety and integrity of our research and lab spaces and those working there.

Research spaces may contain hazardous chemicals, biological agents, and equipment. Safety practices and protocols in research spaces must adhere to applicable federal, state, and university rules. Anyone who enters a laboratory or other research space must follow all safety practices and protocols, including mandatory training, use of protective equipment, and appropriate interaction with any research substances or equipment.

Please lock doors and restrict access so that only those with approved research-related access are in the research space.

If there is a concern about the safety of anyone in a research area, please ask those individuals to leave and follow the usual protocols to notify the lab’s safety officer or principal investigator. If concerns persist, Labor Relations may be contacted at laborrelations@ucsd.edu.

Strike Impacts on International Scholars
U.S. Departments of Labor (DOL) and Homeland Security regulations may impact the issuance of new H1-B or E-3 visas for some international employees. Please contact the International Faculty & Scholars Office (ischolars@ucsd.edu) with any questions.

In Closing
The UC San Diego Principles of Community remind us to maintain the fairness, cooperation, and professionalism that will foster the best possible working and learning environment, even (or perhaps especially) in times of disagreement. Triton faculty, staff, and students are expected to practice these basic principles in all of their endeavors.

UC San Diego affirms each individual's right to dignity and freedom of expression. May we jointly sustain a climate of justice marked by mutual respect that will support our common academic mission.

We will continue to provide bulletins and update the Frequently Asked Questions resources to keep the campus community informed. Thank you so very much for your evident commitment to the scholarly and educational mission of UC San Diego.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth H. Simmons
Executive Vice Chancellor

Corinne Peek-Asa
Vice Chancellor, Research