USC Proposal Offers Some of the Most Competitive Stipends in the Nation in 15^th Negotiation Session

USC’s complete economic proposal submitted to GSWOC-UAW October 16 in the 15^th bargaining session demonstrates the school’s appreciation of the many contributions of its graduate students and its commitment to good faith bargaining.  

The newest offer clearly addresses the Union’s top areas of concern with stipend increases that surpass USC’s peers, generous paid leave, and even more financial support for international students and for graduate students who are parents.    

USC proposed the following enhancements to our already competitive pay and benefits for graduate student workers. This is a further demonstration our continued commitment to creating a positive professional environment for our graduate students. Our proposal, following the Union’s initial counter-proposal, includes:   

• Increased minimum stipend offer to 2.5% for fall 2024, with other school-based minimums increasing by 2% year-over-year.  This is in addition to the 5% increase made this fall, and the tuition and fee remission agreed to by USC.      
  
  
• 5 days of paid sick leave 
   
• $250,000 dependent healthcare fund that will administer grants for eligible medical expenses
   
• Reinforcing existing semester-long paid parental leave, a benefit not offered by peers 

Consistent with the university’s Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation, USC also proposed establishing peer-led anti-discrimination training and offered to meet with the union twice a year to hear input on the university’s processes for investigating prohibited protected class discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. 

The University looks forward to making additional progress toward a fair agreement that meets the needs of our graduate students, and allows us to continue to maintain, grow, and invest in our PhD programs. Our next bargaining session is scheduled for October 23.