Last week marked a historic moment for academic workers at Penn, when graduate student workers reached a tentative agreement with the university a mere hours before going on strike. The wins they were able to achieve in the agreement are life-changing. They include:
- Historic stipend and wage increases to reflect the value of graduate work and cost of living. Minimum annual stipend of $49,000 in the first year of the contract, a 21% increase from the current minimum. The minimum stipend will increase by another 3% to $50,470 in the second year. Stipends already above the new minimum will increase by 3% in the first year of the contract and 3% in year two. Most Graduate Workers will receive a pay increase of between 17% and 25% over the duration of the 2-year contract.
- 100% coverage of vision insurance premiums and 80% coverage of dental insurance premiums for all stipended Graduate Workers.
- An annual dependent healthcare fund of $200,000 to cover 50% of healthcare premium costs for Graduate Workers’ dependents.
- Up to six weeks of paid long-term medical leave for stipended Graduate Workers who need to take a leave of absence for medical reasons.
- Eight weeks of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
- And more!
By building their power and organizing their union, graduate student workers have shown that transformative change is possible at Penn.
Postdocs and research associates will continue to build on the momentum of our graduate colleagues when we return to the bargaining table this Thursday, February 26th from 1-5pm at The Study (20 S 33rd St) [directions here]. At this session, members of the Bargaining Committee will begin introducing economic proposals, including those relating to Childcare, Retirement Benefits, and Leaves. Sign up to observe bargaining this week so you can hear how Penn responds. As our graduate colleagues have demonstrated, the more workers who participate in this process, the greater our capacity to win!
Postdocs and research associates are also continuing to pressure Penn to accept our proposals for longer initial appointments and increased support for international researchers. These proposals, which you can read on the RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Portal, will lead to greater security and financial equity among all postdoctoral researchers at Penn. Take a moment to show your support for these measures by signing this petition today. If you have already signed, forward it to a postdoc or research associate you know and encourage them to sign, as well!
Upcoming Events
- Bargaining Sessions: Our next bargaining session is on February 26 from 1-5pm. RSVP here. You can attend for any portion of the day. Check the #organizing channel on Slack for live updates of bargaining (and reply to this email if you want to be added to Slack).
- RAPUP-UAW Organizing 101 Training: Want to learn how to have effective conversations with colleagues about the importance of winning a first contract? RSVP for an upcoming training led by fellow postdocs and research associates using this link. The next training is scheduled for Friday, March 6th from 4-5pm.
- First Friday RAPUP-UAW Happy Hour: Join other postdocs and research associates on Friday, March 6th, from 5-8pm at Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Ave [directions]
- Film screening: Postdocs and research associates involved with RAPUP are planning to screen a documentary about the history of the labor movement. Stay tuned for more details and reply to this email if you’re interested in getting involved with planning the event!
In Solidarity,
Geordan Stukey, Postdoctoral Researcher, Physiology (member of the Bargaining Committee)
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee