Research & Development Engineers at UCSD Fight Back Against Layoffs

RDEs join an informational picket in solidarity with UCSD Animal Techs

Research and Development Engineers (RDEs) are among some of UPTE’s newest members across the state—and they’re already wracking up some major wins through their newfound collective strength!

Shortly after joining UPTE, UCSD shifted RDEs to exempt overtime status, removing a vital form of pay that they had been receiving. These new members were eager to fight back—they put their heads together, then called for a meeting with Labor Relations to make their case. UCSD agreed to provide equity adjustments for impacted RDEs, resulting in salary increases of $10,000+ per person to account for average overtime hours.

This increase carries the added benefit of being predictable income, which is different from the sporadic nature of overtime. In addition, they remain eligible for UPTE’s hard-fought SEA Pay policy, further demonstrating the power of belonging to UPTE.

But that’s not all—when four RDEs were wrongfully laid off and treated as if they were non-union, UPTE members once again sprang into action. Together, we alerted Labor Relations that these workers were now UPTE-represented, submitted an RFI, and met with UC leadership. As a result of our efforts, all four layoffs were rescinded.

With UC experiencing a crisis of leadership, these victories make all the more apparent the power we have together in our union.