RSVP to attend one of our upcoming Bargaining Sessions!
During our fourteenth bargaining session with WCM, which took place on Monday, September 30th, WCM shared counter-proposals to 5 out of our 14 proposed economic articles. We are happy to report that WCMPU-UAW and WCM were able to come to tentative agreements on 3 of the economic articles (Tax Assistance, Recreation, and Retirement, see more info below)! WCM stated that they aim to provide counter proposals on the remaining articles at our next bargaining session on October 15 from 12pm-4pm, You can view the full set of our initial economic proposals in our online tracker.
WCM also provided counter proposals on vacation and holidays. WCM declined our proposal for 24 days of vacation, which would be equivalent to what faculty receive, instead proposing the existing status quo of 20 days, on the basis that they wish to keep postdoc PTO at its current level, without any further justification. We explained that varying levels of access to vacation between faculty and postdocs makes the lab environment less equitable, negatively impacting morale within the postdoc community.
Postdocs voted by 99% to form our union because we were not satisfied with the status quo. At the table, we emphasized the importance of building on both existing policies and industry standards in economic areas, including paid time-off, which can help alleviate stress and support healthier work-life balance. As we continue to negotiate our economic proposals, please join us at our next bargaining session on October 15 from 12pm-4pm.
As we approach the one year anniversary of our union being certified, it’s critical that we continue to urge WCM to make greater progress. The more of us who participate in our campaign, the more effectively we can achieve this. If you’d like to get more involved in our contract campaign please reach out to organizing@wcmpostdocunion.org.
In solidarity,
Caitlin Williams
WCMPU-UAW Bargaining Committee
Tentative agreements reached:
Tax Assistance: Ensures that postdocs shall receive timely responses and corrections if WCM withholds more taxes than required; international postdocs shall receive tax treaty information, necessary tax documents, and access to free tax preparation software.
Recreation: Guarantees access to the discounts and benefits that WCM postdocs receive through the HR benefits page on the same terms as other WCM employees.
Retirement: Maintains the right to contribute to WCM’s tax-sheltered annuity plan 403(b) Retirement Plan on the same basis as currently offered.