July 1st marked the beginning of the second year of our three-year contract (2023-2026) with Columbia University! Here are a few updates on what may be available to you through our contract, plus other news:

  • Your 3% annual salary increase should be coming up.
  • Are you a Fellow that is eligible for the $3,500 lump sum?
  • Have unexpected expenses? Apply for the Hardship Fund!
  • Election results.
  • Join your union to help build a better workplace and be part of a national movement.

Salary Increase

In this second year, everyone should receive a 3% increase in their salary. The date on which this increase is applied will depend on your appointment date.

  • For many Postdoc Research Scientists and Associate Research Scientists, the re-appointment date is July 1st. These workers should see the increase reflected in their next paycheck on July 15th. The change should appear on PAC as of July 13th.
  • For Postdoc Research Fellows whose appointment date is also July 1st, 2024, the raise should have been applied to July 1st’s paycheck.
  • For all other workers with an appointment date different from July 1st, the raise will be applied on their respective appointment dates, effective July 1st. 

If you believe you should receive a raise and do not see it, please reach out to your HR or department administrator. If you need additional assistance from the union, send an email to the central account at postdocunion@uaw41000.org.

Fellowship Lump Sum

As part of our contract, workers who have accepted a fellowship may qualify for a $3,500 lump sum if they have acquired the appropriate vesting period to qualify for retirement benefits as per Columbia guidelines. It’s up to the worker to reach out to their department administrator or HR to request the lump sum. Here are the requirements to qualify:

  • You are eligible if you are a benefits-eligible Officer of the University and have accumulated a two-year (24 months) vesting period in an eligible title (e.g. Postdoctoral Research Scientist/Scholar). Time spent at Columbia under the title Postdoctoral Research Fellow does not count toward the vesting period for retirement benefits.
  • You have been in the title of Fellow for a minimum period of 12 months. The fund should be available to you at the end of each 12-month period under the fellowship. If you qualify and have been a Fellow for the past 12 months, you should request the lump sum. If you have not completed 12 months under the fellowship yet, you will be able to access the lump sum at the end of the 12 months, and then every 12 months after that.

Hardship Fund

Have you experienced an unexpected medical emergency, or other unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship (e.g., emergency childcare, loss of housing, death of family member including funeral and travel costs, extraordinary relocation costs, loss of family income, or natural disaster)? The Hardship Fund application period for this quarter is now open. This is available to all Postdoc Research Scientists/Fellows and Associate Researcher Scientists/Scholars covered by our union. Check out the application process and all relevant information at this link. The application will close on July 15th, 2024.

  • Make sure to read all the FAQs before applying.
  • Provide comprehensive information to ensure a faster reviewing process and response to applicants.
  • Non-medical expenses will be taxed, so you will only receive a portion of the money you have requested a refund for.

Election Results

The nomination period has concluded, and we are ready to announce our new Unit Recording Secretary for the Mt Sinai Joint Council 2 for our local.

As all positions were unopposed, we can announce the following winner by acclamation:

Mount Sinai – Joint Council 1 – Unit Recording Secretary: Anthony Lozano.

Join the Slack channel for members

Slack is the best way for members to stay up to date with everything union-related, and to connect with your peers, stewards, executive board, and joint council. Slack provides a space to create community, with many channels dedicated to social activities, info for parents, housing, and our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Leadership (IDEAL) working group. Join by filling out this form and become an active part of our vibrant community today!

Join the team

If you want to get involved and help build a stronger Union pushing for change at Columbia and academia at large, you can contact us here. 

Additionally, some positions on the executive board, joint council, and among the stewards are currently available. We will launch a new election timeline in the next few weeks. These roles offer great opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, collaborate within a team, and support your fellow postdocs and ARSs in building a strong union and improving working conditions in academia for all postdoctoral workers. If you would like to learn more about each available position, reach out to postdocunion@uaw41000.org.


In Solidarity,
Columbia Postdoctoral Workers, UAW 4100 Joint Council

HAVE AN ISSUE? GET IN CONTACT!

Want to stay informed? Check out our website and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and join our and Slack​.