We Are Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs United
WCMPU-UAW is an organization by, of, and for Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs who want to unionize in order to improve our research and employment experience at Cornell. Our work not only benefits the College and the economy, but also has positive impacts worldwide through groundbreaking medical research. We work in many different fields and have varied experiences, but our dedication to research unites us all.
Irem Atasoy
Postdoctoral Associate
Anesthesiology
I believe that better science can be achieved with a healthier work environment and the ability to share ideas and concerns with transparency. However, right now the lack of stability and predictability we experience in our positions makes it more difficult to foster this kind of free and open environment. I support having a Union so we can build a stronger and freer voice to improve everyday lives as postdocs.
Juan Rodríguez Alcázar
Postdoctoral Associate
Pediatrics
As a foreigner young scientist, I came to Weill Cornell Medicine with the ambition to do great science and contribute to the scientific community. However, I’ve come to realize that the conditions in which postdocs work here make it challenging to achieve these goals fully. The low pay, high cost of living, visa uncertainty, and other factors can hinder our ability to focus on our research and achieve groundbreaking scientific discoveries. Therefore, I support the formation of a union at this institution to advocate for policies that improve postdoc working conditions, allowing us to concentrate on our research and achieve our full potential.
Caitlin Williams
Postdoctoral Associate
Pediatrics
The wages offered by Weill Cornell are not sufficient for supporting a family in New York City, nor do they reflect the extensive academic training and expertise of a postdoctoral position. As a mother and a scientist I believe it is crucial to support our positions with comprehensive wages and benefits such as access to low cost childcare. By forming a union, we can have a bigger voice as researchers to advocate for these and other policies.