Edhat Staff
By the edhat staff
After 40 days the largest strike in higher education history, involving 36,000 workers, wrapped up before Christmas.
The unions representing the striking University of California graduate student workers and researchers announced final agreement on new contracts on December 23.
A news release announced the vote by UAW 2865, which represents teaching assistants, graders, readers and tutors, was 11,386 to 7,097 to approve the contract. The vote by SRU-UAW, the union representing UC student researchers, was 10,057 to 4,640.
Significant pay increases are on the horizon, up to 80% for the lowest paid workers, as well as $2,000 child care subsidies per semester, nonresident student tuition for international workers, and anti-bullying measures. By the end of 2024, the minimum pay for teaching assistants will be at least $36,000, including an increased cost of living adjustment in certain cities, and graduate students can expect at least $40,000.
“This is a tremendous victory for not only the members of UAW Local 2865 and SRU-UAW but for all academic workers,” said UAW President Ray Curry.
Added benefits include fully funded transit passes, eight weeks of fully paid parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents, and all campus fees waived.
“The dramatic improvements to our salaries and working conditions are the result of tens of thousands of workers striking together in unity,” said Rafael Jaime, president of UAW 2865.
“These agreements redefine what is possible in terms of how universities support their workers, who are the backbone of their research and education enterprise,” Jaime added. “They include especially significant improvements for parents and marginalized workers, and will improve the quality of life for every single academic employee at the University of California.”
The strike began on November 14 when thousands of student workers walked off the job on campuses across California, including UC Santa Barbara, stating they could barely get by on salaries of $24,000 a year for 20 hours of work a week while they pursue their studies.
