Postdoc observers ahead of the March 20 session
Sign up for the upcoming bargaining session on April 1st!
On Friday, March 20th, we met with the University for our 25th bargaining session. We reached two crucial tentative agreements on: (i) Appointments and Appointment Security; and (ii) Discipline and Dismissal. Through our two tentative agreements, we achieved industry-leading job security for Postdocs and Research Associates at Rockefeller, including clear just cause protections for discipline or dismissal. These articles ensure appointments are at least a year long, with at least six months’ warning in cases of non-renewal in all circumstances. In the case of fellowships, appointments will last for the duration of the fellowship. These are only some of the major wins in the article; for more information, click on the bargaining tracker link!
With that said, we also saw the University reiterate their positions on: (i) Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation; and (ii) Grievance and Arbitration. The University continues to propose articles that would dramatically lower standards for unionized postdocs in New York City. Their framework does not ensure the timely resolution of complaints and completely alters the purpose and scope of our grievance and arbitration procedure, while also limiting the legal rights of Postdocs and Research Associates. We will continue to fight for immediate access to a standard grievance procedure that provides enforceable timelines and retains access to alternative options for recourse, including legal recourse.
Rockefeller took this position in direct opposition to the requests in a letter signed by over 85% of Postdocs and Research Associates, urging them to agree to fair and fast dispute resolution in the Grievance and Arbitration and Prohibition Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation articles. It’s clear that we need to further demonstrate the importance of this issue. If you would like to help us in this fight, please reply to this email, and an organizer will reach out.
The most important factor in our success bargaining a strong contract is the participation of the entire union membership — observe a session, join an action, and help us keep the pressure on. Our next in-person session is scheduled for Wednesday, April 01, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM ET. Click here to RSVP if you’d like to attend this or a future session and see the process firsthand!
You can access the full text of these proposals using our online bargaining tracker.
In solidarity,
Stephen Thornquist
On behalf of the UPROR-UAW Bargaining Committee
______________________
Tentative Agreements:
Appointments and Appointment Security
UPROR-UAW Proposals:
Appointments and Appointment Security
University Proposals:
Appointments and Appointment Security
Prohibition Against Discrimination and Unlawful Harassment, and Retaliation