December 8, 2021
Today, UC dropped its objections and agreed to recognize Student Researchers United-UAW in its entirety. This is an incredible victory and it was brought about by the tireless efforts of the thousands of Student Researchers who have taken action to win a union. In particular, it is a direct response to our massive Strike Authorization vote, in which 10,622 SRs voted to strike if necessary. This is truly a historic victory.
Here is a recap of some of the work that led to this moment:
- Over 12,000 SRs signed authorization cards and chose to form a union
- Thousands of SRs had 1-1 conversations with their colleagues and labmates about the importance of forming a union
- Thousands of SRs rallied at all 10 campuses on August 24th to hold UC accountable to their obligation to recognize Student Researchers United-UAW
- Dozens of SRs met with their elected officials to win their support for Student Researchers United-UAW
- 30 members of Congress and 49 members of the California State Senate and Assembly wrote UC President Michael Drake calling on him to recognize SRU-UAW
- Thousands of SRs and Postdocs rallied together on October 28th to demand recognition of SRU-UAW
- 10,622 SRs voted to authorize a strike if UC continued to deny recognition to SRU-UAW
You can read the recognition agreement here. In it, UC formally agrees to recognize trainees and fellows as employees, thus acknowledging their right to unionize and their inclusion in the SRU-UAW bargaining unit. SRU-UAW is holding a Q&A about the agreement tomorrow at 12:00 pm.
While this is a major victory, winning union recognition is only one step towards winning a union contract. The campaign will continue, as SRs must now negotiate a contract with UC that enshrines the benefits and protections we are fighting for.
In solidarity,
Greg Ottino
Department of Physics
UC Berkeley
PS – You can help spread the word about this incredible victory by sharing SRU-UAW’s post on Twitter.