What is the Union?
UAW Local 2865 is is the union representing Academic Student Employees - Tutors, Readers, and Teaching Assistants - at the nine teaching campuses of the University of California. We negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (contract) that sets out the pay and benefits, and the rights and protections of every Academic Student Employee (ASE) that works at UC. We are affiliated with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy. The UAW represents over 20,000 ASEs, including at California State University (CSU).
Can international workers participate in the Union?
International scholars have the same rights as US citizens to join and participate in the Union. In many years of representing international student workers at UC and elsewhere, no one has reported any complications in their status from unionizing. The UAW advocates for international workers to be able to freely choose their employment and opposes employer control over the H1-B visa.
What if I have a problem at work?
If you have a concern, problem, or question about any aspect of your work, you are advised to contact the Union immediately before trying to resolve the issue so that you get the best possible advice and are sure to preserve your rights under a fair grievance procedure. One of the Union’s primary functions is enforcing what we won in the contract, which means representing ASEs at all steps of the grievance procedure, including informal discussions. If anyone is treated unfairly, we work with them to remedy the situation and make sure their rights are being protected.
Can I get involved?
Yes, the Union works through the participation of its members. Contact your local campus office to find out how you can get involved in building our Union.
Are there other Academic Student Employee unions?
Yes, thousands of Academic Student Employees (ASEs) have unionized around the U.S. In addition to the U.C., the UAW represents ASEs at other Universities, including the California State University.
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