2019-2020 Contract Negotiations

RSVP for the City Council’s Rally TOMORROW in Support of NYC Unions

Tomorrow, 20 members of the City Council will be introducing a resolution expressing solidarity with union drives across New York City, and calling on employers to stop fighting against unionization. To support this resolution, there will be a rally tomorrow, Thursday, July 14th at 12pm in City Hall Park (Broadway Ave & Chambers St).

We will join with UAW members and workers across the city to send a strong message to the Columbia administration and other employers that they should respect the right to unionize and bargain in good faith with workers for fair union contracts.

Click here to let us know if you can join us: https://forms.gle/UFic4FZjEhxJwUuD8

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or thoughts.

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Board

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

We are thrilled to announce a new initiative that our Working Group on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ARDEIA) has been working on for the past weeks. This group’s overarching goal has been to systematically review Columbia´s policies on diversity -with a focus on postdoctoral and associate research scientists- and lay the groundwork to fight for a contract with strong, progressive and inclusive language.

As we are geared towards our second contract negotiations, we are inviting you to a series of focus groups with the aim of collecting information on your experiences and perception regarding racism, discrimination, inclusion of minorities, accessibility, belonging and representation. These will be 1h-long discussions happening at lunch time (lunch will be provided) on 3 different days in each of the main campuses:

• CUIMC: July 12^th 12-1.30 pm, Vagelos P&S P&S, Todd Amphitheater, room 16-405 
• Morningside: July 19th 12-1.30 pm, Fairchild building, room 1000
• Zuckerman Institute: August 2nd 12-1.30pm, JLGSC L8-086

You can sign up for a Focus Group in this google form.

Participation is voluntary and will provide very valuable information, allowing us to design a roadmap of priorities for our bargaining committee negotiating our next contract.

Looking forward to discussing in depth these key issues with you all and hearing your ideas and feedback.

In solidarity,

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Board

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

As the union of Columbia Postdocs and Associate Researchers we collectively face our employer to defend our rights and better our working conditions. However, there are singular moments in history when we are collectively called to defend the rights of our society in their entirety.   

Today’s Dobbs v Jackson decision of the Supreme Court officially overturns Roe v Wade, which has protected women’s rights to make decisions about their body, wellness and health since 1973. Now, these decisions are left to the single States, which will result in abortion being prohibited in large parts of the country. In addition, Justice Thomas stated that the Supreme Court should reconsider other rulings that protect contraception, same-sex relationships and same-sex marriage. Decisions like these add to the lack of support for working parents and children, the absence of affordable childcare, attacks on public education, and unaffordable health care.

This is a direct attack on women, queer, BIPOC and underpriviliged workers all across the country, aiming to create divisions among us and weaken our collective voices. As union members we want to send a strong message that an injury to one is an injury to all. As we decided during our two last membership meetings, we are coordinating with other UAW Locals to march and protest together. Please RSVP in the links below if you want to coordinate and march with fellow UAW members. 

• TONIGHT 6/24: at 6:30pm at Washington Sq. Park 
  • RSVP 

• SUNDAY 6/26- the Queer Liberation March at 1pm on Foley Sq. will also send a strong message to defend bodily autonomy and reproductive justice. 
  • RSVP

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Board

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

THURSDAY MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Our June membership meeting will take place tomorrow Thursday June 23 at 6:30pm in hybrid mode: both in person at CUIMC [P&S room 12-460] and on zoom. Use one of the links below to RSVP.

RSVP to attend the membership meeting in person.
RSVP to attend the membership meeting on zoom.

The main topic proposed for this meeting will be the upcoming UAW Constitutional Convention and our Regional Director Beverly Brakeman will be in attendance to give us an update about the Region, the upcoming Constitutional convention and answer any questions you may have. If there are any questions you’d like to send to her in advance please reply to this email.

UAW MEMBERS DEFENDING WOMEN’S RIGHT TO CHOSE

The Supreme Court is likely to end the right of women to choose when/if to become a mother with their ruling on the Dobbs v. Jackson case which could be released any day.

As discussed at our last membership meeting, we want to be ready to send a strong message of rejection and of solidarity to our sisters across the country.

We are in communication with other organizations regarding marches and rallies that will be called the day the decision is released. We are also coordinating with other UAW Locals across the city to have a strong UAW presence. 

Please, RSVP here if you would like to participate! 

We will send you updates whenever the plans are clear. 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON RACISM AND DISCRIMINATION AT COLUMBIA

We are thrilled to announce a new initiative that our Working Group on Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ARDEIA) has been working on for the past weeks.
This group’s overarching goal has been to systematically review Columbia´s policies on diversity -with a focus on postdoctoral and associate research scientists- and lay the groundwork to fight for a contract with strong, progressive and inclusive language.

As we are geared towards our second contract negotiations, we are inviting you to a series of focus groups with the aim of collecting information on your experiences and perception regarding racism, discrimination, inclusion of minorities, accessibility, belonging and representation. These will be 1h-long discussions happening at lunch time (lunch will be provided) on 3 different days in each of the main campuses:

• CUIMC: July 12th 12-1.30 pm, Vagelos P&S, Todd Amphitheater, room 16-405
• Morningside: July 19th 12-1.30 pm, Fairchild building, room 1000
• Zuckerman Institute: August 2nd 12-1.30pm, JLGSC L8-086

Sign up for a Focus Group in this google form.

Participation is voluntary and will provide very valuable information, allowing us to design a roadmap of priorities for our bargaining committee negotiating our next contract.

Looking forward to discussing in depth these key issues with you all and hearing your ideas and feedback.

JOIN THE QUEER LIBERATION MARCH WITH UAW COLLEAGES

This year there is a special focus on attacks on transgender rights by conservative legislators across the country, but also on reproductive rights and bodily autonomy by the Supreme Court. That is why our local encourages our members to participate in the Queer Liberation March, Sunday June 26th at 2pm. If you´re interested in coming together for the march (NOTE: this is not a contingent) please sign up here. Mark your calendars!

In solidarity,

Columbia Postdoctoral Workers-UAW Local 4100 Executive Board

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook Slack.

Our June membership meeting will take place on Thursday June 23 at 6:30pm in hybrid mode: both in person at CUIMC [room TBD] and on zoom. Use one of the links below to RSVP.

RSVP to attend the membership meeting in person.

RSVP to attend the membership meeting on zoom.

The main topic proposed for this meeting will be the upcoming UAW Constitutional Convention. Our Local will send one delegate and one alternate who will vote on amendments and other resolutions related to our National Union. Come and give your thoughts and share your ideas about how you would like our delegates to represent our Local at the convention. 

In addition, we will have our monthly Finances and Executive Board reports and discuss some important financial decisions in preparation for our contract campaign.

And bring any other suggestions!

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Committee

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

The Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (ARDEIA) Working group is back in full force and would like to inform our members about our most recent initiatives. Although we celebrate diversity all year round, June is special as it is Pride month. It is a time to reflect on the strides and achievements the LGBTQAI2S+ community has made, but it is also a moment to demand and reclaim freedom and liberation for queer folks. 

• This year there is a special focus on attacks on transgender rights by conservative legislators across the country, but also on reproductive rights and bodily autonomy by the Supreme Court. That is why our local encourages our members to participate in the Queer Liberation March, Sunday June 26th at 2pm. If you´re interested in coming together for the march (NOTE: this is not a contingent) please sign up here. Mark your calendars!

• We would also like to remind you all that June 19th, Juneteenth, has been deemed a federal holiday as we commemorate the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans. If you are not able to observe this holiday and need to work during Monday June 20th, you can request an alternate day off as per our contract.

• Finally, we will follow up in the next month about the plan we have been developing in order to gather feedback from our members on how to make Columbia a more inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace for postdocs and ARSs by enforcing progressive and inclusive contract language. Stay tuned! 

Upcoming contractual salary raises

According to our contract, all postdocs and Associate researchers should receive at least a 2.5% salary raise –  on July 1st for those located in CUIMC and upon reappointment if located in other campuses. Several members have alerted us that their respective departments are misinforming them AGAIN, denying higher raises on the basis that the union contract would prohibit them. This is incorrect: the 2.5% increase is a minimum raise, as clearly specified in Art. 5 Section 2 of our contract. Your department and PI can freely raise your salary to any amount above the 2.5% increase. 

We have reached out to the administration demanding that they clarify this with all relevant offices but if you encounter any problems with your department HR and/or PI please let us know as soon as possible. 

Hope to see you at Pride!

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Committee

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

Tomorrow, Saturday May 28, starting at noon we will be in Central Park for a picnic along with our colleagues at Mount Sinai who recently filed with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union. According to the weather forecast there’s a chance of rain, but we are still optimistic that we can gather and have a nice time. If necessary we will move to a covered area.  

RSVP here and see the flyer attached for details. 

Some food, snacks and soft drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring anything you’d like. 

Hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Committee

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

We have P&S room 12-460 on CUMC confirmed for our membership meeting this Thursday May 26 at 6:30pm. Virtual option in zoom is also available!

Click here for more information and RSVP links for our membership meeting. 

Reminder about our picnic with Mt. Sinai postdocs this Saturday May 28 starting at 12pm. 

Click for More information on postdoc picnic including RSVP link here.

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Committee

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

This Saturday, May 28, starting at noon we are organizing a picnic on Central Park along with our colleagues at Mount Sinai who recently filed with the National Labor Relations Board to form a union. Join us whenever you can to meet postdocs and associate researchers colleagues from the city. We’ll be starting at noon in the East meadow of Central Park (Entrance near E97th St and 5th Ave).

RSVP here and see the flyer attached for details. 

Some snacks and soft drinks will be provided and feel free to bring anything you’d like. 

Hope to see you there!

In Solidarity,

CPW-UAW Executive Committee

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.

Our May membership meeting will take place on Thursday May 26 at 6:30pm in hybrid mode: both in person at CUIMC [room TBD] and on zoom. Use one of the links below to RSVP.

RSVP to attend the membership meeting in person.

RSVP to attend the membership meeting on zoom.

Topics proposed for report and discussion at our membership meeting: 

• Meet the newly elected Bargaining Committee who will negotiate our next contract!
• Updates on our work with grievances and workplace issues and the administration’s responsiveness
• Discussion on whether to support Columbia’s Resident Advisors campaign –  http://bit.ly/curapetition
• Reports and discussion about the campaigns to win back retirement contributions and an university-wide anti-bullying policy.
• Our monthly Finances and Executive Board reports. 

And bring any other suggestions!

In Solidarity,

Columbia Postdoctoral Workers-UAW Local 4100 Executive Board

P.S. – To stay informed about our union, make sure to check our website columbiapostdocunion.org, and follow us on Twitter, and Facebook.