Before our most recent bargaining session on Monday, February 10, our bargaining team proposed a revised set of articles in which we once again attempted to make movement towards an agreement that matches the standards set by other unionized postdocs in NYC. We were met once again with a disheartening and disrespectful response from WCM.
More than a year since we voted to form our union, WCM has continued to resist making progress on core priorities for postdocs, rejecting proposals intended to make WCM more competitive with other institutions around the country. These include:
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Full protection against unfair termination, especially for those of us on visas
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Immediate access to a neutral grievance procedure for survivors of sexual harassment
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Family-friendly benefits like parental leave and support for childcare costs
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Fair economic improvements to support inclusion for international workers, like paid leave for visa renewal, timely access to affordable housing, and assistance with relocation costs.
Our discussion around these topics with the WCM bargaining team was deeply frustrating, and made it clear that the administration is not seriously listening to our priorities.
These issues require urgent attention to make WCM more competitive, equitable, and inclusive for the most precarious members of our community, and we have already waited too long for a fair contract that makes improvements in these areas. On Wednesday we talked about these issues with community members attending the Dean’s “State of WCM” address and handed out hundreds of flyers.
In order to show the administration that they need to make greater progress, we will hold a rally outside 1300 York on Thursday, February 27 at 12:00pm to tell WCM, We Won’t Wait for Equity!
The more of us who attend the rally, the more effectively we can send this message to the WCM administration. Please click here to let us know if you can make it!
In solidarity,
Julien Jarroux, BMRI
WCMPU-UAW Organizing Committee