Strike Authorization Vote Starts September 8

by | Aug 31, 2026 | Updates

In July, Unit Members across a supermajority of Rockefeller labs signed an open letter to the University administration urging our bargaining committee to call a strike authorization vote if the University does not appreciably respond to the priorities of the members of UPROR-UAW. A successful strike authorization vote gives the elected Bargaining Committee the ability to call a strike if considered necessary to win a fair contract.

In response to our reasonable demands, the University has continued to insist on the right to undercut our existing benefits and protections and refused to bargain over proposed improvements. Instead, they have doubled down on unacceptable proposals such as: 

  • 1% compensation increases each year;

  • no support for visa related expenses or visa leave;

  • unrestricted changes to rent;

  • weak or no protections for bullying and abusive conduct;

  • no guarantees of stability in our housing and childcare systems;

  • zero assistance for expensive relocation;

  • no employer contributions to retirement for Postdocs or dependent care for parents; 

  • inadequate leave durations;

  • restrictions on the ability to seek recourse through, for example, courts of law for statutory violations;

  • inadequate protections of authorship and intellectual property rights;

  • extreme restrictions of our rights related to collective action;

  • no professional development support funds.

They will not even respond to proposals for increased transparency in benefits such as the housing waitlists, healthcare plan choice, or hardship fund. Given their failure to address the clear needs of the researcher community, and after many conversations with all of you, we believe it is time to call this vote.

While we would prefer not to have to set a strike deadline, we are ready to demonstrate that our work is essential to Rockefeller. They can no longer deny us basic workplace rights in areas like discrimination and harassment, protections against bullying and abusive conduct, and effective dispute resolution through Grievance and Arbitration or other forums if necessary. It is unacceptable that they have delayed needed improvements to compensation, housing, childcare, and other benefits that are far below what is necessary for NYC’s cost of living and the standards at other comparable NYC institutions, and they must be able to provide stability in the existing benefits that Unit Members rely on.

Almost two years have passed since we voted to form our union and we have waited long enough. Our strike authorization vote starts on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

Voter Eligibility

Eligible voters are Rockefeller Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Associates who are currently employed by the University and who have filled out a UPROR-UAW authorization card or the bargaining survey. If you have not previously signed an authorization card or filled out a bargaining survey, you may do so during the voting period in order to receive your ballot.

You can sign an authorization card at this link to ensure your eligibility to cast a vote: https://rockefellerpostdocunion.org/card/.

Before the vote!

In solidarity,

UPROR-UAW Bargaining Committee