Research Continuity: Considerations in Case of a Strike

message from Pramod Khargonekar

Research Continuity:

Considerations in Case of a Strike

Dear Colleagues,

The United Auto Workers (UAW), which represents bargaining units at UCI for Academic Researchers, Postdoctoral Scholars, Graduate Student Researchers, and Academic Student Employees has authorized a strike vote. The vote is taking place this week, May 13 through 15.  If UAW members vote to strike, a systemwide strike may occur as early as tomorrow evening.

At this time, it is not known if a strike will take place, how long it could last, and what its potential impact on UCI’s research enterprise might be.  Therefore, I recommend that researchers immediately review their research continuity plans, which should consider a scenario where most research personnel (e.g., GSRs, postdocs, and professional researchers) are not available.

When reviewing their plans, researchers should consider the following (as applicable):

  • For research involving animals, plants, cell lines, and other valuable research assets, ensure that continuity plans address their on-going care and maintenance in a minimal staffing scenario. For research labs that care for their own animals, please contact ULAR to discuss the need for potential animal care support.
  • Safeguard critical data assets by backing them up, as well as ensuring their accessibility and security.
  • Postpone experiments if safety requirements and safeguards cannot be met or implemented with minimal staffing.
  • During a strike, campus community members and visitors to UCI may prefer to work or attend campus events remotely.  Consider this when planning research-related activities and events, including postponing such activities and events or offering hybrid options.
  • Check in with shared research facilities and resources to learn about their continuity plans.  Shared facilities and resources at UCI and other campuses may be inadequately staffed during a strike; therefore, please be aware of local situations before traveling to and conducting research at other campuses.

If you have questions, please submit them to continuity@uci.edu.

Pramod Khargonekar, Ph.D.
Vice Chancellor for Research
Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

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