CalArts and UAW continue discussion of VSP and BRP

On May 7, 2025, CalArts and UAW met to continue discussion of the proposed Voluntary Separation Program (VSP) and Bridge to Retirement Plan (BRP; see May 1 update). UAW provided a counterproposal for CalArts’ consideration. CalArts provided partial responses to this counterproposal, and said a full response on what may be possible would be provided as soon as possible, anticipated by the next day. CalArts also offered a proposal for a Health Retirement Account for those who are Medicare eligible.

UAW also expressed wanting to bargain over the Regular and Technical Faculty appointments not exceeding three years (see May 1 update). As stated in CalArts’ initial email to UAW, this is a metric of faculty renewal already provided in the faculty handbook and past practice, which allows for variation of faculty terms.