University of California workers stop strike, ratify deal

An impressive graduate student at the University of California, negotiation agreement Friday ends unprecedented 40-day strike yelled at class in the prestigious university system.

Trade union representatives said on Friday that a majority of striking graduate students and teaching assistants had approved two contracts to formally end the suspension of work.

Trade union representatives said wages for some minimum-wage workers would rise by up to 80 percent, while wages for all workers would rise. The deal will also improve benefits and help intentional students to help workers cover childcare and medical costs, they said.

The bargaining unit was represented by the Union Auto Workers.

Rafael Jaime, president of UAW 2865, said in a statement, “Our dramatic improvements in salaries and working conditions are the result of tens of thousands of workers banding together to strike.” , redefines what is possible in terms of how universities support the backbone of their research and education enterprise: the workers.”

The university system has praised the new contract, saying it will take effect immediately and run until May 31, 2025.

“Today’s ratification once again demonstrates the University’s strong commitment to providing all of our hardworking employees with competitive compensation and benefits packages that honor their many contributions to our institution, community, and the state of California. ,” the UC said in a statement.

The pact covers about 36,000 workers, many of whom earn only $24,000 a year, a meager salary to live in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Berkeley, where the university system has campuses.

The strike, which began in mid-November, was the largest ever among university officials, according to the union. It was closely watched by other college campuses across the country.

About 12,000 strike workers, mostly postdoctoral students and academic researchers, have already ratified. Agreement This will increase your salary by 29%. It will also improve family leave, childcare subsidies and job security.

The strike lasted a month before reaching a tentative deal last Friday. Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg acted as mediator after several failed attempts to reach an agreement.

By the end of 2024, the minimum wage for teaching assistants will be at least $36,000, with higher wages for students on campuses in particularly expensive cities. Graduate researchers will earn at least $40,000, according to union representatives.

Workers can receive child care subsidies of $2,000 or more each semester.

A worker group dubbed “Strike to Win” urged workers to vote against the interim agreement, offering a base wage of $54,000, more financial support for international students and child care subsidies. It said it did not meet the demand for $2,000 a month in gold and increased protection for people. have a disability.