ALL PROPOSALS FOR A FIRST CONTRACT HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED; PENN JUSTIFIES SALARY OBJECTIONS BY CALLING POSTDOCS “TRAINEES”
Yesterday, Postdocs and Research Associates met with the Penn administration for a fifth bargaining session.
During the session:
- We introduced all of the remaining economic proposals, including Holidays, Healthcare, Compensation, Emergency Support Fund, Professional Development, and Transit and Parking. At this time, all of our initial proposals have been delivered to Penn. We are still awaiting responses to 21 of these proposals.
- During discussion, Penn admin responded to our Compensation proposal by arguing that Postdocs and Research Associates are in “training roles” and that our proposed salary structure looks more appropriate for employees on “long-term appointments.” These arguments are irrelevant to the issue at hand. Regardless of how admin characterizes our positions or the length of time we spend at Penn, we deserve salaries that reflect the experience and skill we bring to the university. Postdocs and Research Associates are committed to fighting for compensation that finally aligns with the contributions we make to Penn’s world-class reputation.
- Penn admin introduced counterproposals on Grievance and Arbitration, Recreation and Wellness, and Union Access and Rights. Notably, Penn’s counterproposal to Grievance and Arbitration dramatically reduces the time period our union has to file a grievance, from sixty days upon learning of the grievable event to only seven. Postdocs and Research Associates will continue to push for a grievance timeline that will allow us to adequately enforce our contract.
- Before the session ended, we passed Penn our own counterproposal on Recreation and Wellness that seeks to codify the existing 50% discount Postdocs and Research Associates receive for Penn Campus Recreation memberships.
- The next bargaining sessions will occur on Tuesday, March 31, from 1-5pm and Thursday, April 12, from 1-5pm, both 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.
Yesterday’s bargaining session represented an important milestone in our campaign for a first contract: we have now introduced all of our initial proposals, 31 in total. However, this does not mean that Postdocs and Research Associates can simply wait for Penn to respond. Without sustained pressure, Penn will feel no need to come to a full agreement in a timely manner. That is why Postdocs and Research Associates across campus are continuing to take action around our highest priorities, such as signing on to a petition demanding Penn come to an agreement on longer initial appointments and improved support for international researchers. 400 Postdocs and Research Associates have already signed on to the petition in support of these proposals – Take a moment to add your name and help reach a goal of 800 signers!
Showing up to observe bargaining sessions is another important way for Postdocs and Research Associates to advance our goal of winning a strong first contract. Read how Emily Feierman, a Postdoctoral Researcher in Cardiovascular Medicine, responded to Penn’s comments on childcare during our fourth bargaining session:
Upcoming Events
- Bargaining Sessions: Our next bargaining session is on March 31st 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 Thursday, March 19th from 4-5pm.
In solidarity,
Estela Noguera-Ortega, Research Associate, Radiology (member of RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Committee)
Allison Cohen, Postdoctoral Fellow, Pathobiology (member of RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Committee)
Ryan Fair, Postdoctoral Researcher, Radiology (member of RAPUP-UAW Bargaining Committee)
On behalf of the RAPUP-UAW Organizing Committee