University of California lecturers reach deal, cancel strike

Thousands of non-tenured faculty members at nine University of California locations threatened a two-day strike this week, but the potential crisis was averted by a last-minute contract reached on Wednesday. The faculty union, affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, called the agreement “historic” and said in a statement that the contract “will revolutionize the first six years of a lecturer’s career at UC,” with paths to further appointment and promotion instead of the “complete precariousness” of the previous contract for the first five years of a lecturer. The contract promises a $ 1,500 signing bonus, annual salary adjustments through 2025 for a total salary increase of 30 percent, timely and more specific appointment letters, and ongoing credit for summer classes. Paid sick leave for the teachers is also promised with 66 percent instead of the previous 100 percent and four weeks of paid family leave for all teachers.

96 percent of voting faculty approved a strike in June after the union accused the university of failing to negotiate in good faith. The union said faculty are undervalued by the system, which contributes to significant annual sales and low morale. Hundreds of teachers with fixed and fixed curricula had promised in solidarity with their colleagues without a fixed curriculum that they would cancel classes in the event of a strike. Dr. Michael V. Drake, President of the University System, said during a meeting of the Board of Regents Wednesday that the proposed contract “recognizes the vital role our faculty play in supporting UC’s educational mission and in providing quality instruction and education . It also means more job security and other important benefits for our valued lecturers. “

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