Last week, Postdocs and Research Associates met with Penn admin for our fourth bargaining session. We introduced a number of proposals, including Union Access and Rights, Leaves, Childcare, Retirement Benefits, and Recreation and Wellness. While we were able to reach a tentative agreement on our Health and Safety article, Penn admin brought only one new article (Entire Agreement). They were also dismissive of our article on Retirement Benefits and Childcare, telling us that they aren’t responsible for supporting Postdocs and Research Associates with families, that having children was a personal responsibility, and that we can always look for employment with better benefits elsewhere.
Moreover, Penn admin still has not provided responses to either our proposals on Appointments and Reappointments or International Researcher Rights. These articles are of tantamount importance to Postdocs and Research Associates, more than 60% of whom are international workers. Postdocs and Research Associates urgently need these protections in a volatile job market and inhospitable immigration landscape. Let’s not stand by while Penn admin stalls on providing these crucial protections: add your name to the petition already signed by over 250 Postdocs and Research Associates urging Penn admin to provide timely and appropriate responses to these proposals.
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 this 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,
Santanu Ghosh, Postdoctoral Researcher, Cancer Biology
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee