Upcoming Election: Frequently Asked Questions
Our historic vote on whether to form our union for postdoctoral researchers at Rockefeller will be held on September 18th – 19th in Welch Hall – Great Hall, between 9am–1pm and 3pm – 7pm on both days. Read below for answers to some common questions about the logistics of our election.
Who is eligible to vote?
Eligible voters are postdoctoral researchers employed by Rockefeller University in the following classifications: Postdoctoral Associate, Postdoctoral Fellow, and Research Associate who were employed by the Employer during the payroll period ending August 15, 2024.
I was hired after August 15, 2024 - can I still vote?
If you were hired after August 15th you may not be on the voter list. You can still vote, but will be asked to vote subject to challenge. Your ballot will still be kept secret inside its envelope, but it will be placed in an outer envelope marked as challenged and counted only if the total number of challenged ballots would determine the outcome.
Should I still vote if I’m asked to vote subject to challenge?
Yes! We encourage everyone to vote. Challenged voters can vote in the same way as non-challenged voters, however challenged ballots will only be counted if they are determinative of the outcome (that is, if the number of challenged ballots cast is greater than the difference between non-challenged Yes and No votes).
Is the election decided by a simple majority of those voting?
Yes. This is how most elections work in the US. We encourage every eligible voter to make your voice heard. A strong “yes” vote in advance of bargaining creates more momentum and a mandate for negotiating a strong contract.
What is the question on the ballot?
The question on the ballot is “Do you wish to be represented for purposes of collective bargaining by United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America?” As postdocs, we make up our union, UPROR-UAW, and the more of us who vote yes, the more power we will have to negotiate a strong first contract with the Rockefeller administration.
How do I get to the voting location?
The Welch Hall – Great Hall is located in the Great Hall – you can enter though the main entrance and go straight ahead, down the flight of stairs, to the entrance. The NLRB will also post signage to ensure that you can locate the polling location.
What is the process of voting?
Upon arrival at the voting place, you will proceed to the Board agent and identify yourself by stating your name. The Board agent will confirm that you are on the voter list before handing you your ballot. If not, you can still vote but will be asked to cast your ballot subject to challenge. You will then enter the voting booth and mark your ballot in secret, and deposit it in the ballot box, before leaving the voting location.
When will we know the results?
The ballot count is expected to take place directly after the polls close. We hope to be able to announce a result shortly after that.
What happens after the vote?
If we win our union election, Rockefeller will have a legal obligation to bargain with us over the terms and conditions of our work at the university.
Where can I find more information?
We have compiled an extensive FAQ here. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please email us at info@rockefellerpostdocunion.org.
I live away from campus - do I have to vote in person?
The decision issued by the NLRB means that the vote will be only in-person and each voter has to cast their own ballot.
If the majority of postdocs vote “yes”, we expect that there will be more ways to participate, both in person and remote, in order for us to bargain as strongly as possible for improvements.