CalArts and CU-UAW met today to continue discussions on proposed selection criteria and the impact of workforce reductions needed to address the Institute’s structural deficit.
Earlier this week, the two teams reached agreement on a voluntary, phased reduction in teaching plan for eligible faculty, aimed at minimizing disruption for students. Those who qualify will receive details about the program in mid-August.
However, CalArts and CU-UAW were unable to reach agreement on the proposed selection criteria for staff reductions. The union stated the process was at a gridlock. CalArts agreed that the teams had reached an impasse on the topic despite good-faith efforts—including four bargaining sessions and responses to eight detailed RFIs.
The Institute informed the union that its current proposal, which reflects feedback from the Aug. 4 meeting, was its last, best, and final offer, and it will move forward with necessary position eliminations using the proposed criteria. As previously communicated, CalArts is prioritizing the elimination of vacant positions but, to meet the $1.3 million necessary in immediate savings, approximately 12 currently filled positions—including both union and management roles—will also be affected.
In today’s session, the union reiterated its request for another round of voluntary separation programs. CalArts explained that doing so would pose legal risks, and restated its obligation to act in a fiscally responsible manner with respect to the endowment. CalArts noted that the Institute has already committed $16.9 million in special endowment distributions toward the deficit for projected FY26 operations—$10 million of which funded workforce restructuring and the voluntary separation programs offered earlier this summer—in addition to its regular $10 million annual draw.
In a continued spirit of good faith, CalArts agreed to meet next week to discuss the impact of these reductions, including severance packages for those impacted.