Postdoc Unionization
Last Updated: May 5th
Information on Unionization Among Postdoctoral Researchers
In an election held September 18-19, 2024, Rockefeller University postdoctoral researchers voted to be represented by the United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW (“UPROR-UAW”), affiliated with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) for the purposes of collective bargaining over wages, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment. 242 votes were counted from 292 eligible voters, with a total of 167 ballots cast in favor of unionization and 75 against. Following the election, the union was certified as the exclusive collecting bargaining representative for Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Associates employed by the University.
Process and progress to date:
Bargaining began in March 2025. Since that time, the Union and the University have had 25 in-person bargaining sessions. The parties have reached tentative agreements (TAs) on ten articles, which will become effective only if the Parties agreee to and ratify a collective bargaining agreement. The Parties have also substantially finalized the language for four other articles.
Please refer to the FAQs for an update on collective bargaining, including information on key issues.