What would it mean for Postdocs and Research Associates to win longer initial appointments and greater support for international researchers in a first contract? It would mean we have more stability and security to pursue our research upon accepting a position at Penn instead of worrying about our first appointment renewal within months of arriving. It would mean that international researchers do not have to face the additional financial burden of paying for visa related fees and travel costs out of our own paycheck. In short, it would improve our work, our lives, and the reputations of our labs and research centers across Penn.
Unfortunately, Penn admin has not yet responded to the initial proposals we introduced last January that would achieve these goals. In order to make progress in our upcoming bargaining sessions, Postdocs and Research Associates must show Penn that a strong majority of us expect the solutions laid out in these proposals to be taken seriously. That is why over 450 Postdocs and Research Associates across Penn have signed on to a letter demanding the university come to a fair agreement without delay on our proposals relating to Appointments and Reappointments and International Researcher Rights. Take 30 seconds to read the letter and add your name using this link.
Upcoming Events
- Bargaining Sessions: Our next bargaining session is on Tuesday March 31 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 Wednesday, April 1st from 4-5pm.
- RAPUP-UAW First Friday Happy Hour: Mark your calendars for the next monthly happy hour, which will be on Friday, April 3rd from 5-8pm. Location will be announced in next week’s Weekly RAPUP email.
In Solidarity,
Deborah Minzaghi, Postdoctoral Researcher, Dermatology
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee