Late / Incorrect Pay
It is exceedingly common for Student Researchers to face problems relating to late and inaccurate pay. When salaries are delayed by months, Student Researchers often have to scramble to take out loans to cover rent and living expenses. Navigating UC’s payroll system means losing countless hours in bureaucratic mazes in hopes of simply receiving the compensation we are owed.
An enforceable union contract is the best way to hold UC accountable for these burdensome errors and discourage them from continuing. UAW 2865 and UAW 5810 members at UC have been able to win back-pay with restitution when they are paid late or incorrectly. By forming a union, Student Researchers can negotiate a contract with similar protections.
“My name is Darren Scioneaux and I’m a recently graduated Masters in Journalism student at UC Berkeley. Last year, UC Berkeley paid me several months late for my job as a tutor. Without a paycheck, I couldn’t afford my rent and other expenses. I incurred nearly $500 in late fees and interest on loans. Initially, UC refused to pay for these costs, which were the University’s fault, not mine. After filing a union grievance with the help of a peer UAW 2865 rep, we got UC to make me whole for all costs of being paid late, including for the hours I spent taking out loans and working with my department to resolve this issue. This victory would not have been been possible without an enforceable union contract that can hold UC accountable for paying workers correctly and on-time.”
