UAW Postdocs Across NYC Continue to Organize and Rise

Momentum continues to build as postdoctoral researchers organize unions across the city with UAW. Just this week, postdocs at Weill Cornell Medical filed paperwork with the NLRB to form their union with support cards from more than 80% of the proposed unit. Postdocs at Mount Sinai and Columbia held an informational picket to protest the extreme delays in contract negotiations that their employers have engaged in. And hundreds of postdocs at Columbia marched on Wednesday to make clear to administrators that they deserve a fair contract and are ready to go on strike if necessary.

Postdoctoral researchers have already earned their Ph.Ds and perform cutting edge research in labs at New York’s most prestigious research institutions. The work they do leads to hundreds of millions of dollars in grants for their employers, and they make crucial contributions to public health, climate science and many other areas. But without strong contracts, most struggle with low and inconsistent pay, high housing costs and a lack of stable benefits. Many are international workers and do not have adequate protections against discrimination and harassment. Postdocs at Mount Sinai, Columbia and Weill Cornell are organizing with UAW.