We are pleased to share that Brown has reached an agreement with the Teaching Assistant Labor Organization (TALO), which represents Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs) and other student employees in the Computer Science department at Brown. TALO shared with its members Friday afternoon that the majority of those in the bargaining unit voted to approve the labor contract. The agreement will be in place throughout the coming academic year. 

This agreement arose from productive and collegial negotiating sessions between the University and TALO over the last several months. We are deeply appreciative of the TALO leaders and membership for their professionalism and commitment to a set of shared goals throughout the negotiating process. At the forefront of our discussions was a commitment to ensure a supportive learning and work environment for the student employee, and an optimal learning experience for all Computer Science students. 

The full contract will be posted soon on the University Human Resources site that hosts labor relations resources. Highlights of the agreement include:

• Clarity on job responsibilities and work hours;

• An enhanced commitment to diverse and inclusive working environments; and

• A significant increase in hourly wages, bringing the pay for Computer Science Student Employees to a level that is consistent with hourly workers with similar qualifications and level of responsibility.

During our work with TALO, as we considered equity across similar student positions, the Office of the Provost partnered with colleagues in Student Employment, Finance and other University offices  to establish a new campus-wide minimum hourly rate of $18/hour for all undergraduate TAs and similar positions on campus, effective this fall semester. Although this campus-wide TA wage increase was not part of the collective bargaining agreement with TALO, which necessarily focuses only on that bargaining unit, it did originate in the productive discussions we had with union representatives, as well as the assessment of wages we engaged in during negotiations. 

The steps we have taken to raise the UTA pay rate across campus reflect our dedication to providing students with exceptional educational and professional experiences, and our commitment to supporting the financial needs of our students.

The Computer Science Undergraduate TA program was established more than 50 years ago and has provided valuable learning and professional experience for countless alumni over the years. As enrollments in Computer Science courses have grown, so has the program. It currently employs more than 300 students each semester. Earlier in the negotiation process, the Computer Science Department issued its own statement of commitment to sustaining and strengthening the CS undergraduate TA program, including taking steps to improve the working conditions of their student employees. 

In addition to the terms in the agreement and commitment to a campus-wide change in compensation for UTAs and similar positions, University Human Resources is conducting a multi-year Student Employment Enhancement Initiative. In the coming year, UHR will continue its multi-pronged approach to enhance the student employment experience, and will conduct a pay equity study this fall.

We are grateful to the members of the University’s bargaining team, led by Janet Blume, Deputy Provost: Sam Caldis, Assistant Dean of the Faculty; James Green, Deputy General Counsel; Stephanie Robert, Senior Paralegal; Kim Roskiewicz, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources; and Marie Williams, Vice President for Human Resources. In addition, the Computer Science Department leadership has been instrumental throughout this process: Lauren Clarke, Academic Department Manager; Jeff Huang, Associate Chair; and Roberto Tamassia, Chair.

During the coming year, the committee looks forward to continuing to work with TALO leadership to develop a longer-term agreement. 

Sincerely,

Frank Doyle, Provost

Janet Blume, Deputy Provost and Chair of the Bargaining Committee