Postdoc Union Launches Campaign Urging UC to Reimburse Employees for Contractual Health Benefits UC Unfairly Refused to Provide

Ads comparing UC’s position on health care to John Boehner’s now running on the Daily Californian

BERKELEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ — UAW 5810, the union representing more than 6,000 postdoctoral scholars at the University of California, has launched a new online push for action urging UC to stop dragging its feet and reimburse many newly-immigrated postdocs for health care benefits it is contractually obligated to provide. The ads, which are linked to a change.org petition, can be seen here.

“This is a very simple issue that the University has failed to resolve,” said Neal Sweeney, President of UAW 5810. “Our contract is clear – postdocs are entitled to health coverage as a condition of their employment. UC managers unfairly denied those benefits or gave misleading information to many newly-immigrated postdocs – almost all of whom had won individual grants that cover their salary while they’re here. We want to work this out, but UC insists on stonewalling.”

While UC is contractually bound to offer UC-sponsored health care plans to members of UAW 5810, there have been a number of cases of members being told they did not qualify for these plans. Some of these individuals were forced to purchase far more expensive plans on the individual market while others have racked up thousands in medical bills and costs that should have been covered by UC. The UC has since capitulated and allowed all postdocs to purchase the lower-cost plan – but refuses to reimburse those who unnecessarily paid thousands out of pocket.

UAW 5810 has attempted to work with UC to resolve this issue. Unfortunately, UC has twice cancelled meetings to reach an agreement.

“UC is failing its postdocs by failing to live up to its contractual obligations, and is sending a terrible message to bright researchers in other countries who may be considering coming to UC,” said Sweeney. “We will continue to put pressure on the University until this problem is fixed and our members have the benefits to which they are entitled.”

Petition: http://www.change.org/petitions/uc-regents-reimburse-uc-postdocs-for-out-of-pocket-costs-due-to-uc-providing-misleading-info-failing-to-provide-health-coverage .

Media contact: Contact: Neal Sweeney, (831) 334-3367.