My name is Desiderio; I’m a GSW in Computation and Neural Systems. At our 600-person membership meeting on Nov. 19th, we committed to collectively fight to build a Caltech for everyone. The results of the Strike Authorization Vote reflect that commitment: more than 1400 Postdocs and Graduate Student Workers voted over the past two days, with over 86% voting YES.
This vote demonstrates our willingness to do what it takes for a living wage; affordable healthcare; and strong protections and financial support for international scholars. It’s time for Caltech administration to come to the bargaining table with serious proposals next week and in January.
What happens next? On Friday, January 24th, Postdocs and GSWs across campus will hold a “Last Chance Picket” to give Caltech administration one last chance to come to the table with fair offers. This “practice picket” will demonstrate what a majority of us on strike could look like. We want to come to an agreement as smoothly as possible, and we will exhaust all options in our toolbox before striking. Join your friends and colleagues from 10am-12pm at locations all around campus.
It’s time to mobilize to win a great first contract. Let’s do this!
In solidarity,
Desiderio Ascencio
Graduate Student Worker, CNS