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Student Affairs  /  Campus Announcements  /  Unionization Election Results

Unionization Election Results

February 8, 2024

To: The Campus Community
From:  Thomas F. Rosenbaum, President
David A. Tirrell, Provost

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has counted the ballots from the graduate student and postdoctoral unionization elections held on January 31 and February 1. In the graduate student election, 1,045 of 1,439 graduate students (approximately 73% of the number of eligible graduate students) voted, and in the postdoctoral scholar election, 290 of 558 postdoctoral scholars (approximately 52% of eligible postdoctoral scholars) voted. 

Of the tallied ballots, 799 (76%) of graduate students voted in favor of representation by the Caltech Graduate Researchers and Postdocs United (CGPU), associated with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW). Of the tallied ballots in the postdoctoral scholars' election, 240 (83%) postdoctoral scholars voted in favor of representation.

Once the NLRB certifies the election results, all graduate students and all postdoctoral scholars in the approved bargaining units will be represented collectively by CGPU-UAW on matters concerning the terms and conditions of their research or teaching appointments with respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions. At that time, Caltech's representatives expect to meet with CGPU-UAW leaders to begin the process of collective bargaining. Caltech will continue its commitment to a supportive and inclusive research, education, and training environment for all.