HR Update; August 13, 2010
Subscribe to HR Update with RSS
In this Edition
- 6,500 UC Postdoctoral Researchers Ratify Inaugural Contract
- Supervisor Certificate Program
- Free UC Retirement Readiness Education Programs for Faculty & Staff
6,500 UC Postdoctoral Researchers Ratify Inaugural Contract
Agreement improves postdoc compensation and working conditions that will help UC continue to attract top researchers from around the globe
The United Auto Workers (UAW) and the University of California yesterday (August 12, 2010) jointly announced that UC postdoctoral scholars voted to ratify their first union contract. The Union announced that postdocs approved the contract by an overwhelming vote of 2,588 to 121, or 96 percent in favor, in balloting that concluded Aug. 11. The postdocs’ union, Postdoctoral Researchers Organize/UAW, and UC reached a tentative agreement on July 31, 2010.
“We are very proud of this contract,” said Xiaoqing Cao, a cancer researcher from UCLA who served on the PRO/UAW bargaining committee. “Not only will postdoc compensation at UC be among the best in the U.S., but UC postdocs will also have unprecedented rights and protections while carrying out the important work that makes UC the top academic research institution in the world.”
“Postdoctoral scholars are vitally important to the University of California and to our research enterprise, and we are very pleased that they have ratified the agreement,” said Dwaine Duckett, vice president for UC systemwide human resources. “We look forward to a swift implementation of the contract and our postdoctoral scholars continuing to work with our faculty and researchers on the great scientific and technological challenges facing our nation.”
The agreement includes a balanced compensation structure that will include both experience-based and general annual increases based on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) pay scale. Other highlights of the agreement include new provisions for time off, stronger mechanisms for postdocs to enforce health and safety standards, “just cause” protections for discipline or dismissal, and improved access to professional mentoring.
“Our members contribute significantly to the cutting-edge research that makes UC great and helps move society forward,” said Jim Wells, director of UAW Region 5. “We are pleased to see that this contract recognizes the important work they do and their many contributions.”
Postdoctoral researchers provide valuable research on cancer, stem cells, climate change, alternative fuels, and many other cutting-edge fields in science and engineering. Postdoctoral scholars at UC represent roughly 10 percent of postdoctoral scholars in the United States.
“We look forward to a productive and cooperative collective bargaining relationship between Postdoctoral Scholars in UAW Local 5810 and the University of California, much like the relationship between UC and UAW Local 2865, which represents academic student employees at UC,” said UAW President Bob King.
Supervisor Certificate Program
The UCSF Supervisory Certificate Program is a flexible, performance skills based program of learning designed to provide UCSF supervisors and supervisor aspirants with an opportunity to develop supervisory competencies. Participants can complete the supervisor certificate at their own pace and register to begin the program at any time.
If interested, please feel free to read more about the certificate program. In addition, below is a list of the required courses within the program with upcoming dates in 2010.
Please note that supervisors and managers who are not registered for the certificate program can also take any of the courses listed.
Introduction to Management (online)
This introductory course helps new supervisors redefine their roles from individual contributor/technical expert to that of supervisor. It outlines the scope of the supervisor’s role and responsibilities within UCSF.
Recruiting and Hiring (coming soon)
This course helps managers hire the best people for the job and to do so while managing the legal risk associated with employment discrimination.
Setting Performance Expectations (10/13/2010)
In this course, participants learn how to work individually or collaboratively with staff to identify meaningful performance expectations and communicate them.
Coaching to Improve Employee Performance (8/18/2010 & 10/27/2010)
In this session, participants learn how to recognize and assess performance issues and practice coaching communication skills to support employee performance improvement and development.
Conducting Performance Appraisals (9/15/2010 & 11/12/2010)
In this course, participants learn how to work with their staff to reflect on progress, to examine objective and standards of performance, and to set goals for performance and development.
Delegating for Success and Accountability (9/29/2010 & 12/08/2010)
In this session, participants practice a structured approach to delegation and the communication skills needs to transfer work and to build agreement.
Supervising According to Union Contract and PPSM (coming soon)
In facilitated discussions and using practice vignettes, this course, equips supervisors with understandings and skills needed to exercise their management rights, to administer union contracts, and to address issues legally and effectively.
EEO Law and Sexual Harassment Prevention for Supervisors (coming soon)
This course is designed to provide participants with an overview of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination policy. This course also includes required content mandatory for AB1825 compliance for sexual harassment prevention.
Free UC Retirement Readiness Education Programs for Faculty & Staff
Are you ready for retirement? Start to plan now - it’s never too early. Check the Retirement Readiness Workshop Schedules for new listings today!
Did You Know? You may attend a workshop at any UC campus. Just check the schedule for your preferred location and sign up online.
UC Retirement Plan (UCRP): UC’s Defined Benefit Plan
- Schedule “The Features of UCRP” workshop for your department - click here
- Read about The Future of UCRP
The UC Retirement Savings Programs: 403(b), 457(b) & Defined Contribution (DCP Plans)
- Attend a Workshop at a location near you and make your reservation online - click here for the schedule
- Arrange to have these workshops at a meeting in your department – click here
- Focus on Your Future - Resources
############################################
HR Update is distributed weekly to individuals on the following listservs: Campus Administrators, Managers and Supervisors, HR Policy, Payroll Administrators and Benefits Representatives.
You can also sign up for the HR Update Mailing List
For more information, including on how to be removed from this list, please read more about UCSF Distribution Lists