Updates
September 13, 2024: Grievance Processes
September 9, 2024: The Child and Family Center
September 5, 2024: Message to postdoctoral researchers from Tim Stearns
September 3, 2024: Supporting Rockefeller’s Postdoctoral Researchers
August 26, 2024: Information About the Campaign to Unionize Postdoctoral Researchers
Date: Friday, September 13, 2024
As you are already aware, last month, the United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking to unionize postdoctoral researchers – Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Associates – at The Rockefeller University. The results of the upcoming union election will have far-reaching implications for both current and future postdoctoral researchers at Rockefeller University
In an effort to support you as you make a fully informed decision, we want to share with you information on topics of interest to the postdoctoral researcher community. Here we provide information on the University’s existing, robust avenues to address complaints or grievances concerning your employment with Rockefeller. This includes the Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation Policy; the Grievance Resolution Procedure for Postdoctoral Scholars and Research Associates Policy; and The Rockefeller University Code of Conduct. These policies give postdoctoral researchers the tools to raise and address grievances about misconduct, harassment, or other issues.
- Addressing and stopping harassment is of paramount importance to the University. Rockefeller’s Non-Discrimination, Anti-Harassment, and Anti-Retaliation Policy provides comprehensive mechanisms to report, investigate, and respond to complaints of discrimination or harassment on the basis of any protected characteristic. The policy prohibits any discrimination or harassment on the basis of race; creed; color; national origin; religion; sex/gender; age; disability; alienage or citizenship status; military status; marital or partnership status; caregiver status; genetic information; or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Postdoctoral researchers have multiple avenues to file a report under this policy including making a report to their immediate supervisor, the Vice President of Human Resources, or the Dean.
- Postdoctoral researchers also already have the right to file a file formal grievance if they believe that they have been subjected to any improper decision or conduct by Rockefeller University or by anyone acting officially on behalf of the University. The grievance procedure is found under Rockefeller’s Grievance Resolution Procedure for Postdoctoral Scholars and Research Associates Policy and is included in the Postdoctoral Handbook. If the grievance concerns an employment-related matter, the scholar should contact Human Resources. If the grievance concerns a scientific or academic matter, the scholar should contact the Dean’s Office. The applicable office will submit a written response to the grievance within 30 days and can issue corrective action if appropriate. If the postdoctoral researcher is unsatisfied with the result, they can submit the grievance for further review. Throughout, there is flexibility to put aside formal proceedings in favor of voluntary mediation.
- Finally, Rockefeller’s Whistleblower Policy provides for the reporting, including anonymous reporting, of improper conduct, which includes all forms of harassment and policy violations. As with other policies, postdoctoral researchers have multiple avenues to file a report under this policy—they can go to their immediate supervisor or head of laboratory, the Vice President of Human Resources, the Vice President of Finance, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the University’s General Counsel, or the Chair of the Audit Committee of the University’s Board of Trustees.
In addition to these formal procedures, Dean Stearns and other members of the Dean’s Office are available to meet with postdocs and research associates who wish to have confidential conversations about problems they are experiencing.
Postdoctoral researchers have used these various reporting channels successfully. The University fully supports that the Postdoctoral Association (the PDA) surveys their fellow postdoctoral researchers about whether they have experienced a range of misconduct—from “workplace harassment” to “abusive interactions”—because of the importance of and our commitment to maintaining a work environment in which each individual is treated with respect and dignity. We do not know of any complaints reported to the University administration that have not been fully investigated and addressed; over the past five years, postdoctoral researchers have successfully utilized the mechanisms described above to report approximately two dozen formal and informal grievances, all of which were resolved. The policies remain in place for postdoctoral researchers to bring a complaint and remedy allegations of harassment.
Importantly, under each of these policies, Rockefeller is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of postdoctoral researchers throughout the complaint process, to the greatest extent possible, consistent with the law. This protects postdoctoral researchers both when they file complaints and when they are the subject of complaints. Because of this confidentiality, it may appear that a grievance has not been handled because the outcome is not publicly announced. However, each reported grievance is investigated and resolved by the University. If a union were to represent the Rockefeller postdoctoral researchers – depending on the agreement reached by the University and the Union – the negotiated grievance process in a collective bargaining agreement might not provide the same level of anonymity or confidentiality as is possible under the University’s current processes. This is because processing grievances through a union, rather than directly with a supervisor, Human Resources, or the Dean’s Office, may mean that more people—such as union representatives—will be made aware of, and involved in, handling the grievance.
Rockefeller decided to implement the longstanding, robust complaint and grievance procedures described in this letter because the University’s goal is to enable our postdocs and research associates to thrive, and not because a union told the University to do so.
The information above is the latest in communications from leadership addressing issues of interest to postdocs and research associates. We are encouraged by conversations happening on campus and want everyone to have reliable information. Previous communications have addressed support for Postdoctoral Researchers; positive changes which came about due to the positive relationship between postdocs, the faculty and the administration; and additional information about the Child and Family Center.
If you have any questions, please email postdocunioninfo@rockefeller.edu.
And finally, please be sure to exercise your right to cast your ballot on Wednesday, September 18, or Thursday, September 19, from 9 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 7 PM (election taking place on both dates) in the Great Hall. A simple majority of those who vote will determine the outcome for all.
Date: Monday, September 9, 2024
Last month, the United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking to unionize researchers—Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Associates—at The Rockefeller University. The results of the upcoming union election will have far-reaching implications for both current and future researchers at Rockefeller University.
We respond here to questions from some community members as to the reasons why Rockefeller transitioned management of the Child and Family Center (CFC) to Bright Horizons. We also provide information on your current benefits at the CFC. It should be noted that, were a union to be elected, there is no guarantee that a collective bargaining agreement would address management of the CFC, and we know of no collective bargaining agreement for postdoctoral researchers at other universities that does this.
As background, the CFC is an important resource established by the University 30 years ago to support Rockefeller’s researchers, including postdocs and research associates, with high-quality, affordable childcare for their infant and preschool children. Since its establishment, to respond to the growing childcare needs at Rockefeller, the center has undergone three expansions. Over the last three decades, over 1,000 children have attended the childcare center, and the CFC is considered a model employer-sponsored, on-site early childhood educational program.
As described here and in previous communications, the transition of management of the CFC to Bright Horizons was essential to ensure that the CFC could continue to provide the benefits of this critical resource. Bright Horizons is the largest provider of employer-based childcare in the U.S. and is used nationwide by over 1,450 employers, including over 100 academic institutions such as HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus, New York Presbyterian Hospital, NYU Langone, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
During the COVID pandemic, the CFC was closed by New York City mandate. While many other organizations furloughed their childcare teachers, the University continued to pay all CFC teachers their full-time salaries. However, at the CFC, and at daycare centers across the country, staffing became a chronic issue as facilities began reopening. As a result, there were frequent room closures, disruptions to childcare support, and significant delays in resuming pre-pandemic hours at the CFC. Thus, the University recognized the need to be part of a larger pool of full-time and backup teachers to keep classrooms fully operational for our community members.
The University identified Bright Horizons, the largest provider of employer-based childcare in the United States, as the most suitable solution to provide continuous childcare support while maintaining the CFC’s educational excellence. Bright Horizons was chosen because it has nearly 40 years of experience collaborating with colleges, universities, and other employers to create high-quality early education environments across the U.S. They have a proven track record of excellence in providing comprehensive childcare services, fostering a nurturing environment, and delivering exceptional care to children and families and working with many academic institutions.
The transition to Bright Horizons has allowed Rockefeller to continue providing the same standard of excellence as before the pandemic, including maintaining:
- Highly favorable tuition rates for the CFC, which is currently 15% of family income with a cap of $25,000 per child, with a 20% discount for siblings. There is a supplemental rate of $2,700 for infant care.
- Same student/teacher ratios. In fact, BH’s scale of operation has helped better accommodate teacher absences.
- Same hours of operation.
- Same hiring credentials for new teaching staff.
- Renewed teacher training in August.
- Same enriching activities, including art, music, and soccer.
Moreover, the CFC provides open avenues of communication between parents and the CFC administration, including monthly meetings with all parents, a weekly newsletter, and an open-door policy.
These decisions to maintain consistency and quality in the CFC were implemented because the University’s goal is for our postdocs and research associates to thrive, and not because a union told the University to do so.
The information above is the latest in communications from leadership addressing issues of interest to postdocs and research associates. We are encouraged by conversations happening on campus and want everyone to have accurate information. Previous communications have addressed support for Postdoctoral Researchers and positive changes which came about due to the positive relationship between postdocs, the faculty and the administration.
For additional information on support for Rockefeller’s postdoctoral researchers, please see: https://www.rockefeller.edu/postdocunionization/updates/#sept3
For more information on unionization efforts, including implications, please see: https://www.rockefeller.edu/postdocunionization/
If you have any questions, please send an email to: postdocunioninfo@rockefeller.edu.
And finally, cast your ballot on Wednesday, September 18, or Thursday, September 19, from 9 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 7 PM (election taking place on both dates) in the Great Hall. A simple majority of those who vote will determine the outcome for all.
Date: Thursday, September 5, 2024
Dear postdocs and research associates,
Since my arrival at Rockefeller on September 1, 2022, I’ve been deeply impressed by the extraordinary qualities of this institution. Despite having been here for less time than many of you, my first two years have left me with a profoundly positive sense of Rockefeller and the remarkable individuals who make it what it is. The quality of the research done here is simply amazing and it has been a pleasure to witness, and support, your critical contributions to it.
There is much discussion now about the relationship between postdoctoral researchers and the university, and I want to share some thoughts on that theme. For me, one of the most appealing features of Rockefeller is the absence of the arcane administrative structures typical of large research universities. There is only one dean here and in that role I’m responsible for the academic mission of the university, including postdoctoral researchers. Aside from the great science, one of the things I’ve been most impressed by is how effective postdocs here have been in working with the faculty and administration to effect change that improves their experience.
Postdocs here participate in the Postdoctoral Association (PDA), and the PDA has regular meetings with the me, other members of the dean’s office, and HR, with the agenda set by the PDA. We also have an open-door policy in the dean’s office and meet regularly with postdocs with concerns. As an example of the topics we discuss, our last meeting with the PDA on May 30, 2024, covered, among other topics:
- FY25 events budget for the PDA
- Summer Seminar Series
- Planning for the Postdoc Retreat
- PDA postdoc survey results
In many cases, positive change for postdocs comes because that change is a common goal of the university and of postdocs. The recent raise in the minimum salary is an example. On July 1, 2023, the minimum salary for postdoctoral fellows and associates was raised to $70,000. In addition, we changed the policy about the timing of raises, so that all postdocs received that raise and any subsequent minimum salary raises on July 1, regardless of their appointment date. Contrary to other information you might have received, this raise was not driven by pressures from other institutions with postdoc unions, but rather by the long-standing desire to have the total compensation of Rockefeller postdocs to be among the highest in the country. Similarly, the raise to the current minimum of $72,100 on July 1, 2024 was to give postdoctoral researchers the same 3% raise received by most university employees this year. The minimum salary for research associates has followed a similar trajectory.
This excellent relationship between postdoctoral researchers, faculty and the administration goes back many years, well before my time here, so I have asked others with longer experience for examples of improvements that came about due to postdocs working directly with the faculty and administration. These include:
- Creation of the interview room in the library to enable private interviews
- Creation of Postdoc Peer Mentoring Program (Peer Pods)
- Increased information and communication with the postdoc community during the COVID pandemic
- Housing changes during times when waiting lists for the least expensive postdoc housing units was long
- Creation of a postdoc coordinator’s position in the dean’s office
- Content development for the Managing Science and Scientists summer workshop
- Development of searchable postdoc alumni database – https://appext.rockefeller.edu/pda/#/
- Expansion of postdoc website (including career outcomes) – https://www.rockefeller.edu/postdocs/
- Establishment of an endowment to keep the postdoc retreat free to postdocs in perpetuity
- The Summer Seminar Series
- Availability of on-site social workers from Weill Cornell Medicine to anonymously discuss complaints
Lastly, I know that there is much discussion now about what avenues currently exist at Rockefeller for postdocs to raise grievances or concerns. I will note that, as has been the case since I joined Rockefeller, I and other members of the dean’s office meet often with postdocs, research associates, grad students and faculty who wish to have confidential conversations about problems they are experiencing. These often involve experiences in the lab, interactions with other lab members, and the relationship between lab head and lab members. This is one of several channels that you have for seeking assistance with difficult situations. We take the confidentiality of the discussion as a serious obligation and I know that others in similar roles at Rockefeller do, too.
Best,
Tim
Tim Stearns, Ph.D.
Dean of Graduate and Postgraduate Studies
Vice President for Educational Affairs
Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics
The Rockefeller University
Date: Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Rockefeller Postdoctoral Researchers,
Last month, the United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board, seeking to unionize postdoctoral researchers – Postdoctoral Associates, Postdoctoral Fellows, and Research Associates – at The Rockefeller University. The results of the upcoming union election will have far-reaching implications for both current and future postdoctoral researchers at Rockefeller University.
Below, we provide a summary of Rockefeller’s generous resources to advance postdoctoral researchers’ careers, unparalleled total compensation, and avenues for postdocs to express their views. These were implemented because the University’s goal is for our postdocs and research associates to thrive, and not because a union told the University to do so.
We encourage you to cast your ballot on Wednesday, September 18, or Thursday, September 19, from 9 AM – 1 PM and 3 PM – 7 PM (on both dates) in the Great Hall. A simple majority of those who vote will determine the outcome for all.
For more information, please see: https://www.rockefeller.edu/postdocunionization/
If you have any questions, please send an email to: postdocunioninfo@rockefeller.edu
Date: Monday, August 26, 2024
Dear colleagues,
Earlier this month, the University received notice from a group named the United Postdoctoral Researchers of Rockefeller-UAW (UPROR-UAW) of their intention to form a union to represent all postdoctoral researchers and research associates. This union is affiliated with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers Union of America (UAW), and the group has worked with the UAW to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), seeking to hold an election for certification of the union.
We are working collegially and cooperatively with NLRB and union representatives to support a secret-ballot election, which will be conducted by the NLRB on our campus on September 18th and 19th. The proposed bargaining unit for the union includes all Rockefeller postdoctoral researchers with the titles: postdoctoral associate, postdoctoral fellow, and research associate. All individuals included in this proposed bargaining unit will be eligible to vote in the election. After discussion, the union agreed with the University that individuals who are employed by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and work at the University will be excluded from the proposed bargaining unit, and are thus not eligible to vote in the election.
Our community places an exceptional value on our shared mission of science for the benefit of humanity. This upcoming vote will have important implications for all current and future postdocs and for the future conduct of science at Rockefeller. We consequently believe it is critical that all members of the community be well-informed before casting their vote on this very significant matter.
We respect postdoctoral researchers’ advocacy and their desire to make the Rockefeller experience the very best it can be. Indeed, we share those goals. Postdocs are attracted to Rockefeller because the University, its faculty and laboratories provide an outstanding opportunity for postdocs to advance their careers, owing to our singular focus on biomedical research, our outstanding scientific resources, and our exceptional and cohesive community. These features are enhanced by excellent compensation and benefits. We believe the total compensation for our postdocs—including salary, health insurance, and unmatched support for campus-proximal housing and onsite childcare for the duration of their appointments—sets a national standard.
Beyond compensation, postdoctoral researchers are respected and supported by their mentors and the broader community. We believe that an important element to the extraordinary success of Rockefeller has been the collegial relationships and respect shown among all constituencies on campus. We believe that while introducing a union into this dynamic might offer minimal benefits, it also risks potential disruptions to the collaborative environment that is crucial to our scientific culture. Additionally, a one-size-fits-all union contract might not align with the flexibility required for the conduct of scientific research and might not provide appropriate support for the initiative, ambition, and needs of individual scientists.
Rockefeller is a small institution with a flat administrative structure, and postdoctoral researchers here have regular and direct access to lab heads and institutional leaders. This openness allows for easy communication of general and personal requests, suggestions, and the reporting of any issues or grievances. Our collective mission is clear and well-aligned: we are all committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and rewarding scientific environment. This ensures that all members of our community can develop their research skills, excel in their academic endeavors during their time at Rockefeller, and thrive in their future careers.
We encourage all eligible postdoctoral researchers to vote on September 18th and 19th. A simple majority of those who vote will determine the outcome for all. In the interest of being well-informed for that vote, we encourage you to visit https://www.rockefeller.edu/postdocunionization/ to see facts about current postdoctoral researcher compensation and benefits, and the ramifications of having a union represent you. You may wish to discuss these issues with your colleagues, including your faculty mentors.
If you have questions or comments, you can send an email to postdocunioninfo@rockefeller.edu.
With best wishes,
Rick Lifton and Tim Stearns
Richard P. Lifton, M.D., Ph.D.
Carson Family Professor
Laboratory of Human Genetics and Genomics
President
The Rockefeller University
Tim Stearns, Ph.D.
Dean of Graduate and Postgraduate Studies
Vice President for Educational Affairs
Laboratory of Cellular Dynamics
The Rockefeller University