Workers returned to the negotiating table yesterday with bold demands to improve the working conditions of all Academic Student Employees (ASEs).
After UC’s negotiators arrived late because they “couldn’t find the Zoom link,” UC kicked things off with proposals to restrict our right to a fair and speedy grievance process, including in cases of sexual harassment and discrimination. UC wants to put all grievances related to sexual misconduct on pause until a Title IX office completes an investigation, a process that can sometimes take well over a year. This is unacceptable. An independent grievance process has proven time and time again to be indispensable in offering survivor-centered recourse and protection from further harm. ASEs have fought hard to win these rights, and will fight again to keep them.
In response, UAW 2865 Bargaining Team members presented new proposals for twelve contract articles. Workers presented ambitious demands that would transform the everyday working conditions of ASEs on every campus, including:
- Access needs: a new collaborative process giving workers greater say over the necessary measures that the university must implement to make the workplace more accessible for ASEs with disabilities
- Peer-led trainings: a new program for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination trainings developed and delivered by ASEs and for ASEs
- Workload: a bold demand to shorten the workweek and give us greater control over our working conditions
- Class sizes: a new article proposal to limit class sizes so ASEs can offer a higher quality education to our students
- Labor peace: a demand to eliminate the “no strikes” clause in the contract and give workers greater power to address workplace issues through concerted action
Negotiations will continue next Thursday, April 7 at 1pm, where workers will present proposals on compensation, rent burden, and housing.
For more details from yesterday’s meeting, reach out to your campus organizers and Bargaining Team representatives.