INSTEAD OF CHILDCARE BENEFITS, PENN ADMIN SUGGESTS “PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY”
Yesterday, Postdocs and Research Associates met with the Penn administration for a fourth bargaining session.
During the session:
- We reached a Tentative Agreement on Health & Safety. This article spells out in clear language the University’s responsibility to proactively ensure postdocs’ and research associates’ health and safety in the workplace.
- Postdocs and Research Associates introduced new proposals on Union Access and Rights, Leaves, Childcare, Retirement Benefits, and Recreation and Wellness.
- Penn admin strongly objected to our proposal for Childcare benefits. For many Postdocs and Research Associates, the rapidly increasing costs of childcare are a prohibitive financial burden. In response to our proposal for subsidies to support childcare costs for Postdocs and Research Associates with children, Penn admin repeatedly asked: “Why do you think it’s our obligation to pay for childcare?” Penn’s solution to the rising costs of childcare amounts to encouraging postdocs and research associates to exercise “personal responsibility” when struggling to support their families or to look for employment elsewhere.
- Penn admin was also dismissive of our proposal on Retirement Benefits, which would allow Postdocs and Research Associates to participate in the university’s basic and matching plans, significantly improving our ability to save for retirement.
- The only new proposal brought by Penn is on the Entire Agreement. This is a standard article in most union contracts stating that the agreement, once ratified, cannot be changed during the life of the contract. Penn also brought a counter to our Prohibition Against Discrimination and Harassment proposal, in which Penn removed entire sections, including those relating to a reasonable timeline for reporting and resolving instances of discrimination and harassment.
- The next bargaining sessions will occur on Thursday, March 12, from 1-5pm at The Study (20 S 33rd St) [directions here].
The text of all proposals and counterproposals can be read using the RAPUP-UAW 2025-2026 Bargaining Tracker that will be published on our website and updated after each bargaining session.
Currently, Postdocs and Research Associates have reached a total of 8 tentative agreements with the university. However, Penn still has yet to provide a response to over a dozen proposals, including those on high priority issues such as Appointments and Reappointments and International Researcher Rights. Postdocs and Research Associates are continuing to pressure Penn to agree to longer initial appointments and improved support for international researchers. Over 250 postdocs have already signed on to the petition in support of these items – Take a moment to add your name and help reach a goal of 800 signers!
At the next bargaining session, Postdocs and Research Associates will introduce our remaining economic proposals, including our proposal on compensation. This is the issue ranked highest in importance on our bargaining survey. To show Penn that its researchers are serious about achieving the level of pay we know we deserve, it will be crucial to pack the room with observers. So mark your calendars and RSVP to observe using this link. You can attend for as little or as long as you would like but most of the action occurs closer to the beginning of the session.
Upcoming Events
- Bargaining Sessions: Our next bargaining session is on March 12 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 our union as we build power to win a first contract? RSVP for an upcoming training led by fellow Postdocs and Research Associates using this link. The next training is scheduled for next Friday, March 6th from 4-5pm. Happy Hour to follow!
- 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,
Naomi Zucker, Postdoctoral Researcher, Nursing (member of RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Committee)
Patrick Monari, Postdoctoral Researcher, Psychology (member of RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Committee)
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee