Yesterday, Postdocs and Research Associates met with the Penn administration for our eighth bargaining session.
During the session:
- We reached tentative agreements on Job Postings and Protections Against Harassment and Discrimination. The latter agreement is a historic win for Postdocs and Research Associates. Through this agreement, we now have real and enforceable protections against instances of harassment and discrimination, resulting in a safer and more supportive working environment for Postdocs and Research Associates.
- We are still working to secure protections against overwork through our Workload proposal. During discussions in bargaining, Penn has acknowledged our concerns regarding overwork, but has not yet agreed to language that would protect Postdocs and Research Associates from unreasonable workload expectations.
- Penn admin presented counterproposals on Discipline and Dismissal and Union Access and Rights.
- The next bargaining session will occur next week on Tuesday, May 19th from 1-5pm at The Study (20 S 33rd St) [directions here]. You can RSVP to attend as an observer using this link.
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.
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 nearly 700 Postdocs and Research Associates across Penn have already 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.
- Bargaining Session (Tuesday, May 19): Our next bargaining session is next Tuesday, May 19th from 1-5pm. RSVP here to attend as an observer. You can stay for any portion of the session. Check the #organizing channel on Slack for live updates of bargaining (and reply to this email if you want to be added to the RAPUP-UAW Slack).
- RAPUP-UAW May Social Event (Friday, May 29): From 5-8pm, join other Postdocs and Research Associates for a happy hour celebration at Frankie’s Summer Club at 15th and Pine [directions here].
In solidarity,
Tom Mumford, Postdoctoral Researcher, Bioengineering
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee