Postdocs and Research Employees Picket U. of California Campuses

University of California researchers and postdoctoral scholars picketed for pay raises and better benefits at campuses across the system today, the Associated Press reported. Two unions, which represent 6,000 postdocs and more than 9,000 researchers and technicians, are negotiating new contracts with the 10-campus system. University officials say severe cuts in state support preclude adopting the wage increases, while union representatives say the salaries of research employees are financed mainly out of growing federal grant programs.