“Last, Best, and Final” Offer Ratification Vote FAQ

1. What is the contract ratification vote?

A contract ratification vote is when workers in a union democratically determine whether or not to accept the terms of an agreement or contract offer. This vote is to decide whether to accept the terms of USC’s “Last, Best, and Final” offer of September 10. A simple majority of those voting determines the outcome of the vote. However, for the vote to be representative and powerful, it’s critical for a supermajority of Postdocs to participate.

2. What are the terms of USC’s offer?

On September 10, USC’s Bargaining Team made what it called its “Last, Best, and Final” offer to Postdocs. This offer includes the Tentative Agreements negotiated between Postdocs and the University, including articles on Discipline and Discharge, Grievance and Arbitration, Health and Safety, Holidays, Labor-Management Meetings, Parking and Transit, Personnel Files, Professional Development, Reasonable Accommodations, Union Access, Work Incurred Injury and Illness, Union Security, and Academic and Management Rights. The offer includes USC’s proposals on Compensation, Leaves, Retirement, Non-Discrimination, Health Benefits, Childcare, Layoffs, Contract Duration, No Strikes, Appointments, Recognition and Classifications, Support for Immigrant and International Workers, and Paid Time Off.

3. Why does the URFU-UAW Bargaining Team recommend voting no?

USC’s offer leaves out many of the major issues that motivated Postdocs to form our union in 2024 by a vote of 93% “yes.” If ratified, Postdocs would be stuck with the status quo – no increased salaries, no guaranteed multiyear appointments, no reimbursement for visa costs, and no enforceable protections against harassment and discrimination – for 3 years. Postdocs at USC are already paid less and have fewer rights and benefits than our colleagues at other unionized universities, like the University of California and the California Institute of Technology. This contract would only widen that gap.

4. How will I be able to vote?

Voting will take place by anonymous, electronic ballot from Oct. 7 to Oct. 9. You should receive your ballot via your USC email shortly after 9:00am PST on the first day of voting. (Check your spam folder just in case.) Polls close at 9:00pm PST on the final day.

5. What happens if the result of the vote is YES (to ratify the “Last, Best, and Final” offer)?

If a majority of those voting accept the offer, the “Last, Best, and Final” would take effect and become our first collective bargaining agreement upon the conclusion of the ratification vote.

6. What happens if the result of the vote is NO (to ratify the “Last, Best, and Final” offer)?

A “No” vote is a vote to continue negotiations and request mediation. If a majority of those voting vote “No,” USC’s offer would not be approved as a new contract and the Bargaining Team would formally request the University return to the bargaining table with the help of a neutral, third-party mediator that both sides agree to.

7. I haven’t received my ballot. How do I request a new one?

The link to request a replacement ballot will be sent out via email once the election begins. To ensure enough time to process ballot requests and vote before the election closes, the deadline to request a replacement ballot is Thursday, October 9, at 3:00pm PST.

8. Where can I find out more information?

USC Postdocs will be holding an info session on Thursday, October 2nd at 5:00pm PST over Zoom (Meeting ID: 994 2893 1919); you can also reach out at info@urfu-uaw.org and a coworker will respond.