To: The Campus Community
From: Caltech Bargaining Committee
Date: July 17, 2024
Re: CGPU-UAW Bargaining Update
We write to update the community on the collective bargaining process with representatives of Caltech Graduate Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU-UAW).
Since late May, representatives from the Institute and the CGPU-UAW have participated in four bargaining sessions and reached tentative agreements on 11 articles, including those related to travel, health and safety, workspace and materials, grievance and arbitration, freedom of speech and expression, and professional development and training.
There are numerous other topics under discussion between Caltech and CGPU-UAW. Caltech will continue to bargain in good faith with the goal of providing a superior educational and research experience, a respectful and inclusive working environment that builds trust, supports civil discourse and is free from discrimination, mistreatment, abuse, or coercion. It is our belief that the elected representatives of the CGPU-UAW share the same goal.
An area of current discussion is Caltech's procedure for addressing discrimination, harassment, and other claims. The Institute has offered a progressive proposal that reinforces existing Institute policies mandated by law that prohibit harassment, discrimination, and abusive conduct in all forms. While the CGPU-UAW has attacked Caltech's proposal on social media and on its website and called for a rally on campus, the Union has yet to respond to the Institute's proposal at the bargaining table.
The Institute is committed to working through this issue and others with the CGPU-UAW and welcomes CGPU-UAW's response to Caltech's proposal when we meet again next week.
We will continue to keep you apprised of our discussions with CGPU-UAW and of the progress we make. In the meantime, please refer to the frequently asked questions section for additional information on the collective bargaining process. Additional questions may be directed to [email protected].