- Responded with their first healthcare proposal
- Doubled the number of scheduled bargaining dates through January (6→13 days)!
- Proposed an Agency Shop in their first counter proposal on Union Security, which is nearly unheard of in contract negotiations
This opens discussions on a major economic article and gets us that much closer to a ratified, strong first contract. The proof is at the table (and in the bargaining tracker): collective action works.
The Strike Authorization Vote is on December 4-5th
- All that is left to negotiate are the economics.
- All Caltech Grads and Postdocs are eligible to vote.
- Emails with a secret ballot will be sent at 8am on Wednesday, 12/4.
- Polls will be open until the following day, Thursday, 12/5 at 8pm.
When thousands of us vote Yes together, we push the administration to continue to meet us in good faith and prioritize our voices. A Caltech for everyone is fought for and won together.
Healthcare
As all of us know, we pay more for our healthcare premiums than many peer institutions for similar insurance plans, and these costs are even higher for international postdocs and people with dependents. While there is still no offer from the administration on premium coverage, Caltech administration has indicated that they are planning to propose an improvement to the current subsidization of our healthcare premiums, and that they will send us another proposal in the near future. We have also made substantial progress on ensuring the quality of the healthcare plans is maintained and benefits are administered effectively.
Union Recognition
This article outlines who is considered a member of the bargaining unit for contract enforcement purposes. We won the broadest higher education worker union in the country—all GSWs and all Postdocs employed by Caltech are included in our bargaining unit (Postdocs with external funding who receive a W-2 from another institution are excluded).
Union Security—We won an agency shop!
Our union is the only legal means we have to challenge the imbalance of power between GSWs and Postdocs and the Caltech administration.
- We know that the institute is well-resourced, and we must have the resources to level the playing field.
- This article guarantees an agency shop, which allows all members of the bargaining unit to choose whether or not to become members, but guarantees that everyone pays dues (members) or agency fees (nonmembers)
- These funds give us the resources to enforce our contract. Read more about agency shops on the Our Fight page.
What’s Next?
Earlier today, Caltech administration announced their commitment to improve housing quality and availability for GSWs and Postdocs with the Housing Masterplan. Because of these upcoming changes, they have asked to not negotiate housing-related articles with this contract. Accordingly, the bargaining team has agreed to withdraw their article on Housing and Relocation assistance. However, this contract will still guarantee the formation of a Labor Management Committee, which will be available to advocate for GSWs and Postdocs facing housing-related difficulties.
In solidarity,
Ruth Moorman
International GSW in GPS