Some updates from our June membership meeting: 

  • We voted on holding our upcoming membership meetings on Mondays, mid-month at 8:30pm – Check the calendar on our Website!
  • Updates on our campaign to win protections against bullying/power-based harassment.
  • Trans-affirming surgery issues with Columbia Healthcare plan and the upcoming Queer Liberation March – RSVP to March with Fellow UAW members!
  • UAW referendum on how to elect our national leadership, or “one-member-one-vote”.
  • Outcome of vote on statement relating to conflict in Israel and Palestine.

Anti-Bullying Working Group report

As part of our contract, Columbia has committed to convene a University-wide committee to make recommendations to the University on how to address power-based harassment and bullying. At our membership meeting last Monday we heard an update from our Anti-Bullying working group which has developed a survey to gather experiences regarding power-based harassment and/or bullying and your opinions on how such issues should be handled by the University. Check your email for an individualized link to the survey in the coming days. 

We expect the university-wide committee to begin meeting soon – stay tuned for further actions you can take to make sure the group’s recommendations make Columbia a more inclusive workplace for everyone. If you are interested in getting involved in our campaign to win strong protections against bullying, sign up here. 

Trans-Affirming Surgery issues with Columbia Healthcare

We also heard a report from our Anti-Racism, Diversity and Inclusion working group regarding lack of coverage for certain trans-affirming surgeries in Columbia healthcare plan. These trans-affirming surgeries are a question of mental health for members of our unit. Ensuring coverage is not only a question of taking a stand against discrimination, but also for an inclusive workplace. Sign up for our working group if you are interested in discussing more in depth how to make Columbia a more inclusive workplace. 

In addition, members of our union will march along other NYC UAW members in the upcoming Queer Liberation March, on Sunday, June 27, gathering at W 41st and 6th Ave at 2:30pm. If you are interested in joining, RSVP here! 

UAW referendum on “one-member-one-vote” 

There will be an upcoming referendum for UAW members across the country to decide on whether we will vote for our National UAW leadership directly, instead of the current system in which we elect delegates who then vote for us. Our Executive Board will draft a statement on the topic that we can discuss at the next membership meeting. Check the position of other Academic Locals here.

Outcome of vote on statement relating to conflict in Israel and Palestine 

We had a final discussion and vote on whether to publish a statement regarding the conflict in Israel and Palestine. The motion to issue a statement did not pass. If you have any questions related to this process, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com.

In solidarity,

CPW-UAW Local 4100 Executive Board

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