Please read on for details about upcoming organizer trainings, May Day celebrations, bargaining sessions, and the UAW Higher Education Council Meeting!
Upcoming Events and Announcements
- RAPUP-UAW Petition for Longer Appointment Lengths and Increased Support for International Researchers (ongoing): In order to make progress in our upcoming bargaining sessions, Postdocs and Research Associates must show Penn that a strong majority of us expect to see responses to some of our highest priorities. That is why over 600 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. If you have not already done so, take 30 seconds to read the letter and add your name using this link.
- Organizer Training (Wednesday, April 29): Interested in learning how to build union power with other Postdocs and Research Associates? Attend the next Organizer Training on Wednesday, April 29th from 4-5pm in NBS 250. RSVP here!
- May Day “Workers Over Billionaires” Rally (Friday, May 1): On May 1st, 2026 at 4:00pm, Postdocs and Research Associates will join thousands of workers from across the region for a May Day rally at City Hall as we call for a Philadelphia that stands with workers over billionaires!
- UAW Higher Education Council Meeting (Fri-Sat, May 8-9): On May 8-9, higher education workers across the UAW are coming together for our Higher Education Council Meeting. UAW members from higher ed workplaces across the country will be meeting on Zoom to learn about successful contract campaigns, how workers are fighting to protect science funding, and for organizing workshops on how to win grievances, build strong local union membership, and more. You can register to attend at this link by May 1st!
- Bargaining Session (Thursday, May 14): Our next bargaining session is on May 14th from 1-5pm. RSVP here to attend as an observer. You can stay 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).
In Solidarity,
Jonathan Nadraws, Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemistry
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee