{"id":2213,"date":"2019-02-26T18:48:07","date_gmt":"2019-02-26T23:48:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/?page_id=2213"},"modified":"2020-06-30T09:53:26","modified_gmt":"2020-06-30T13:53:26","slug":"bargaining-updates","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/home-2\/contract-negotiations\/bargaining-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"Bargaining Sessions Update"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;]\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span>[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243;]<a name=\"top\"><\/a><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2857 size-full alignleft\" src=\"http:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1831\" height=\"794\" srcset=\"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113.jpg 1831w, https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113-300x130.jpg 300w, https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113-1024x444.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113-768x333.jpg 768w, https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/BC_2019-scaled-e1577987982113-1536x666.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1831px) 100vw, 1831px\" \/><\/p>\n[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;3\/12&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562595177564{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-left-color: #1e73be !important;border-left-style: groove !important;border-right-color: #1e73be !important;border-right-style: groove !important;border-top-color: #1e73be !important;border-top-style: groove !important;border-bottom-color: #1e73be !important;border-bottom-style: groove !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text]\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Attend a Bargaining Session<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">We encourage all supporters to attend bargaining.\u00a0 Please RSVP below so that we know how many people are planning to attend a given session and can make sure you have accurate location information (as it sometimes changes).<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/forms.gle\/gxnN7XQ8RXNFJz4x8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><button class=\"cta\">Come to a Bargaining Session<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;6\/12&#8243;][vc_column_text]<a name=\"June29\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday June 29, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>With our June 30 deadline looming, we have been tirelessly negotiating with Columbia to resolve our differences and come to a fair agreement (There\u2019s still time to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCM701znPFndAxySTlqJsi5ATlBlZpTv4efcjUazjTN96etbC8hrtn0cjGWvBuFdcqpsNkE3MEw6Z8PNpwEn2bizanGBc9gN7InDaBBbb6pfzbGSIWZ3vnBYYeIB9eOTQgtzl5ThFrR0IuCf_H1W8B6eqyU3IL0V3t1Pkn5VdvUtTCJoEd0g6ZKa-ZnVD-oyy5s\/332\/CJztCZFdSGyS9O5qa_oLuA\/h0\/KXMe_9ofW_akMCDc-532CqJzl1xzi1TvKpT9YcdwIS8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCM701znPFndAxySTlqJsi5ATlBlZpTv4efcjUazjTN96etbC8hrtn0cjGWvBuFdcqpsNkE3MEw6Z8PNpwEn2bizanGBc9gN7InDaBBbb6pfzbGSIWZ3vnBYYeIB9eOTQgtzl5ThFrR0IuCf_H1W8B6eqyU3IL0V3t1Pkn5VdvUtTCJoEd0g6ZKa-ZnVD-oyy5s\/332\/CJztCZFdSGyS9O5qa_oLuA\/h0\/KXMe_9ofW_akMCDc-532CqJzl1xzi1TvKpT9YcdwIS8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593611177073000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHlIirngP5oarrf8YxPTi11rAl2Vg\">sign the open letter demanding a fair contract<\/a>).After substantial effort to find workable compromises on protections against discrimination and harassment, Columbia again took a hard line on timeliness, continuing to present a major obstacle to finishing a contract article critical to an overall fair agreement. In the last few days, we have made essential progress on discrimination and harassment protections. For example, the University has now agreed that all discrimination and harassment complaints may be appealed to a neutral arbitrator, despite concerns regarding the Trump administration\u2019s new Title IX regulations. However, Columbia again rejected our proposal to have the right to appeal unresolved non-Title IX complaints to arbitration after 60 days. The University has acknowledged that historically, the majority of complaints have been resolved in 60 days, and that this is the timeline the Columbia EOAA office aspires to. We have even agreed to grant University requests for an extension where warranted. We believe this is a very reasonable timeline. But the administration team still insists on an additional automatic extra 30 days. A fair process takes time, but an untimely process can never be fair. We continue this fight tomorrow and will keep you posted. This is a high priority for protecting researchers across campus.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;4\/12&#8243;]\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\">Upcoming Bargaining Sessions<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Tuesday June 30<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: right;\">Completed Bargaining Sessions<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June29\">Monday June 29<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June26\">Friday June 26, 1:30 a.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June25\">Thursday June 25, 1:30 a.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June23\">Tuesday June 23, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1:30 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June12&amp;17\">Wednesday June 17, 2:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June12&amp;17\">Friday June 12, 2 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June5&amp;9\">Tuesday June 9, 2 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June5&amp;9\">Friday June 5, 2 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June1\">Monday June 1, 1:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Wednesday May 27, 1:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#May18\">Monday May 18, 1:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\">Friday May 15, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April30\">Thursday April 30, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 3 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April22\">Wednesday April 22, 2:00 &#8211; 5:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April16&amp;17\">Thursday April 16, 1:00 &#8211; 5:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April16&amp;17\">Friday April 17, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 4:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April7\">Tuesday April 7, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April1&amp;3\">Wednesday April 1, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April1&amp;3\">Friday April 3, 1:30 &#8211; 5:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March27\">Friday March 27, 1:45 &#8211; 5:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400; text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March18&amp;23\">Monday March 23,\u00a0 1:30 &#8211; 5:00 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March18&amp;23\">Wednesday March 18, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March9\">Monday March 9, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p. m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March5\">Thursday March 5, 1:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Feb26\">Wednesday February 26, 1:30 p.m. &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Feb12\">Wednesday February 12,\u00a0 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Feb7\">Friday February 7,\u00a0 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Jan17\">Friday January 17th,\u00a0 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Dec19\">Thursday December 19, 1 p.m. &#8211; 4 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Dec11\">Wednesday December 11, 1:30 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Nov25\">Monday November 25, 9:30 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Nov14\">Thursday November 14, 12:30 &#8211; 4 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Oct28\">Monday October 28, 1 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Oct3\">Thursday October 3, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Sept26\">Thursday September 26, 1 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Sept16\">Monday September 16, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Sept5\">Thursday September 5, 1 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Aug15\">Thursday August 15, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Aug8\">Thursday August 8, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#July29\">Monday July 29, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#July25\">Thursday July 25, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#July18\">Thursday July 18, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June19\">Wednesday June 19, 1 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#June10\">Monday June 10, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#May20\">Monday May 20, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#May2\">Thursday May 2, 1 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April22\">Monday April 22, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April15\">Monday April 15, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#April1\">Monday April 1, 9 a.m. &#8211; 1 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#March15\">Friday March 15, 2 &#8211; 5 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: right;\"><a href=\"#Feb25\">Monday February 25, 9 a.m. &#8211; 12 p.m.<\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June26\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday June 26, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCM701znPFndAxySTlqJsi5ATlBlZpTv4efcjUazjTN96etbC8hrtn0cjGWvBuFdcqpsNkE3MEw6Z8PNpwEn2bizJVS8qqDkQdIvUkZW-8VeRjLKN4xkc-sdby0jxjy6ITSlILnM2sxiSxd3Yw0ilFKYg22KrLH8Cf1HUF8VSsh2scAcOESwt5GhNGTaesiy9lrFpIjTncuplgd8R9ueJp2U\/32z\/kJttHOg1SU6x9MgDezx0wQ\/h0\/VJkk9JvShqxA-Onc568dmacTNOA07ulBoQdiUYLoQjM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCM701znPFndAxySTlqJsi5ATlBlZpTv4efcjUazjTN96etbC8hrtn0cjGWvBuFdcqpsNkE3MEw6Z8PNpwEn2bizJVS8qqDkQdIvUkZW-8VeRjLKN4xkc-sdby0jxjy6ITSlILnM2sxiSxd3Yw0ilFKYg22KrLH8Cf1HUF8VSsh2scAcOESwt5GhNGTaesiy9lrFpIjTncuplgd8R9ueJp2U\/32z\/kJttHOg1SU6x9MgDezx0wQ\/h0\/VJkk9JvShqxA-Onc568dmacTNOA07ulBoQdiUYLoQjM&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593432078558000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEf_MiQfCzpZycOHjMxII-6y_B6oA\">Sign the open letter to the administration demanding a fair contract<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We had a short surprise visit from interim Provost Katznelson yesterday in our bargaining session. He asserted a strong desire to finish an agreement by the end of June and pointed to some of the recent positive changes in the University proposals. We reminded him of some of the important remaining obstacles to what we would consider a fair agreement including timeliness in non-discrimination and fellow equity.<\/p>\n<p>On the topic of Non-Discrimination, the Provost said he shared our dismay with the Trump administration\u2019s new regulations on Title IX, which aim to enhance the rights of accused sexual harassers instead of the rights of survivors of harassment. He then previewed the University\u2019s newest proposal, which made meaningful movement in our direction, including a significantly shorter timeline to take many discrimination harassment claims to neutral arbitration if necessary.<\/p>\n<p>Specifically, in their latest proposal the University has agreed that the Union may appeal discrimination and harassment grievances\/complaints to neutral arbitration. For all discrimination and harassment complaints, the EOAA office would determine within 5 days if the case involved Title IX or not. If the Union disagreed with the determination, an agreed-upon independent lawyer would resolve the dispute within 10 days. For non-Title IX complaints, the Union would have the right to appeal to neutral arbitration after 90 days (instead of 180 in their last proposal) if the EOAA process was still incomplete. For Title IX cases, the Union could only appeal after completion of the EOAA process. They also proposed the right to re-open bargaining on this topic if the Title IX rules are overturned. While this proposal was a significant move in the right direction, we will continue to fight for more timely procedures and continue to work through our differences around the implications of the Title IX regulations.<\/p>\n<p>On economic issues, the Provost touted the proposed major increases to Postdoc and Associate Researcher minimum salaries amidst a salary freeze for most campus employees. We acknowledged the significance of their proposal, but also pointed out the significantly lower increases (2%) for researchers above the new minimums during the first year of our contract. We will continue to fight for more robust increases for those already above the minimum.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, we had discussion over the topic of fellow equity in regards to healthcare, childcare and other benefits and will continue bargaining over this topic.<\/p>\n<p>We will work through the weekend to develop responses to their most recent proposals and expect to engage with the administration again on Monday and Tuesday. We will keep you posted. Please respond to this email if you would like to get more involved in efforts to win a fair agreement or if you would like to further discuss any of the articles.<\/p>\n<p>As the situation with<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDKx1fBFLQh5sPQSUk1voFzQWNyqwWJMVG35YKizblolIgkVeifnPhGIWJc2Q_rtD9_SG66FVq5-U8H5zlFBvN7XNWdMwDqxXzGW4dAeC4yqmY2Sba6NYJAHyTi86PCCmvAEfWhoB5cBanelatKrE7rmNRSJ0nBDQn9ZqLNuOp8ThXTrVKaewJ3GYU9qdUUYdTot25_hnDrymQDwebtVxI-sLuutV3MIIr_DrK95lEtXBztdzOVhstSGD6klHYorjgEejWuy5DPj8jh_X-rbgtLpdLOBE67H5bYSBK7Ffkm8P7grcArHr1djmaxqDLEpAcq6EUp6U0EMwUH4Bu_9xQGAErvTnltHUAq68ZSXByok2\/32z\/kJttHOg1SU6x9MgDezx0wQ\/h2\/rTYeqglgnOW5MR7PHhsQ8oJD8gegtqpWRAgP6LNDJz8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDKx1fBFLQh5sPQSUk1voFzQWNyqwWJMVG35YKizblolIgkVeifnPhGIWJc2Q_rtD9_SG66FVq5-U8H5zlFBvN7XNWdMwDqxXzGW4dAeC4yqmY2Sba6NYJAHyTi86PCCmvAEfWhoB5cBanelatKrE7rmNRSJ0nBDQn9ZqLNuOp8ThXTrVKaewJ3GYU9qdUUYdTot25_hnDrymQDwebtVxI-sLuutV3MIIr_DrK95lEtXBztdzOVhstSGD6klHYorjgEejWuy5DPj8jh_X-rbgtLpdLOBE67H5bYSBK7Ffkm8P7grcArHr1djmaxqDLEpAcq6EUp6U0EMwUH4Bu_9xQGAErvTnltHUAq68ZSXByok2\/32z\/kJttHOg1SU6x9MgDezx0wQ\/h2\/rTYeqglgnOW5MR7PHhsQ8oJD8gegtqpWRAgP6LNDJz8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593432078558000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF0dpK7NT9yuhq3RDFLOgyq6jSnoA\">\u00a0Trump\u2019s proclamation to suspend new visas for foreign workers<\/a>\u00a0continues to develop, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">In solidarity,<\/span><\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June25\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday June 25, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session yesterday, we exchanged more proposals on Compensation, Non-Discrimination, Leaves of Absence and Union Security. We made small progress on Compensation, but still have significant differences on that topic as well as others. As we still have a number of obstacles, nearly 200 postdoc and associate researchers have now signed a letter telling the administration that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCNCM0zcKsMFMqunmRF_eFy2GlujFeE_klwWsnjUMoL46mqdOm5XllHlUBWoZ9TZMsLgaMTnzYcsuEgfNQjO5hf_J5GjkBxqfIm69rR11sGnHeNKPnmwQbgUXYFRFUjH0jT9Ww1TdffBebb3WB_DQCcGL7FkRQuWk-1hK-f76U1xrIKQAnGinhJz_ZOAfrWwkeN40AJsTJPteN2oE8Hxa2MEa2_e5haX_tw3hgVG5WBmLg\/32y\/BWzmLCz0TG-cKlCRxy-W3g\/h0\/9EFbdcJbfVstt3RO_m3SHomwzRkuteFRfajGGHd8Ku4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCNCM0zcKsMFMqunmRF_eFy2GlujFeE_klwWsnjUMoL46mqdOm5XllHlUBWoZ9TZMsLgaMTnzYcsuEgfNQjO5hf_J5GjkBxqfIm69rR11sGnHeNKPnmwQbgUXYFRFUjH0jT9Ww1TdffBebb3WB_DQCcGL7FkRQuWk-1hK-f76U1xrIKQAnGinhJz_ZOAfrWwkeN40AJsTJPteN2oE8Hxa2MEa2_e5haX_tw3hgVG5WBmLg\/32y\/BWzmLCz0TG-cKlCRxy-W3g\/h0\/9EFbdcJbfVstt3RO_m3SHomwzRkuteFRfajGGHd8Ku4&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593269166628000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGCiZpHtjNmRcwSsEvO29xq0Qsf6Q\">if we don\u2019t have a fair agreement by June 30, they will ask the bargaining committee to call a strike authorization vote&#8211;please feel free to add your name here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The bulk of our discussions today revolved around the following topics:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Compensation and benefits: We gave the university a new proposal that combined significant increases to minimum salaries with provisions to ensure increased compensation for all researchers. The University\u2019s latest proposal included a new 2% lump sum payment for all researchers that would happen when the contract goes into effect, in addition to their newly proposed minimums of $60,000 for Postdocs and $66,100 for ARS and additional minimum 2% increase at every reappointment starting in 2021. While the new lump sum was a small step forward, we will continue to fight for more robust yearly increases and increases for those who would not benefit from the new minimum salary rates. The University also continues to firmly oppose any improved benefits beyond what all officers receive.<\/li>\n<li>Non-discrimination: We had more discussion today in an effort to continue working through our differences on discrimination and harassment protections. We made a new proposal that attempted to incorporate some of their concerns while maintaining Postdoc and Associate Researchers\u2019 right to a fair and timely process for achieving fair outcomes to grievance\/complaint regarding discrimination and harassment. Our disagreements on this topic continue to present one of the largest obstacles to reaching an overall fair agreement. We are particularly concerned that many of Columbia\u2019s objections to our proposals seem to be based on their desire to protect the rights of accused harassers, rather than survivors.<\/li>\n<li>Union Security: We made modifications to our proposal for a union shop, a provision consistent with every other Columbia union contract, where all employees would share the cost of representation by paying dues or fees. The university has so far rejected this standard proposal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you would like to get more involved in the organizing efforts to win a fair contract, send us an email. We bargain again today and will provide further updates.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June25\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday June 25, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session yesterday, we exchanged more proposals on Compensation, Non-Discrimination, Leaves of Absence and Union Security. We made small progress on Compensation, but still have significant differences on that topic as well as others. As we still have a number of obstacles, nearly 200 postdoc and associate researchers have now signed a letter telling the administration that\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCNCM0zcKsMFMqunmRF_eFy2GlujFeE_klwWsnjUMoL46mqdOm5XllHlUBWoZ9TZMsLgaMTnzYcsuEgfNQjO5hf_J5GjkBxqfIm69rR11sGnHeNKPnmwQbgUXYFRFUjH0jT9Ww1TdffBebb3WB_DQCcGL7FkRQuWk-1hK-f76U1xrIKQAnGinhJz_ZOAfrWwkeN40AJsTJPteN2oE8Hxa2MEa2_e5haX_tw3hgVG5WBmLg\/32y\/BWzmLCz0TG-cKlCRxy-W3g\/h0\/9EFbdcJbfVstt3RO_m3SHomwzRkuteFRfajGGHd8Ku4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgnJ7s7cb3vuviQEB7eppt0EyESez4r9bYaQS7pj88EiL3bAVnas8Updy1VdbshbTpEm5h3r5E2rQdQCrBJrpWNGCqQta84ACgzFOc4OcmnZtyC02I4xXjEzJEwGebGXJCNCM0zcKsMFMqunmRF_eFy2GlujFeE_klwWsnjUMoL46mqdOm5XllHlUBWoZ9TZMsLgaMTnzYcsuEgfNQjO5hf_J5GjkBxqfIm69rR11sGnHeNKPnmwQbgUXYFRFUjH0jT9Ww1TdffBebb3WB_DQCcGL7FkRQuWk-1hK-f76U1xrIKQAnGinhJz_ZOAfrWwkeN40AJsTJPteN2oE8Hxa2MEa2_e5haX_tw3hgVG5WBmLg\/32y\/BWzmLCz0TG-cKlCRxy-W3g\/h0\/9EFbdcJbfVstt3RO_m3SHomwzRkuteFRfajGGHd8Ku4&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593269166628000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGCiZpHtjNmRcwSsEvO29xq0Qsf6Q\">if we don\u2019t have a fair agreement by June 30, they will ask the bargaining committee to call a strike authorization vote&#8211;please feel free to add your name here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The bulk of our discussions today revolved around the following topics:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Compensation and benefits: We gave the university a new proposal that combined significant increases to minimum salaries with provisions to ensure increased compensation for all researchers. The University\u2019s latest proposal included a new 2% lump sum payment for all researchers that would happen when the contract goes into effect, in addition to their newly proposed minimums of $60,000 for Postdocs and $66,100 for ARS and additional minimum 2% increase at every reappointment starting in 2021. While the new lump sum was a small step forward, we will continue to fight for more robust yearly increases and increases for those who would not benefit from the new minimum salary rates. The University also continues to firmly oppose any improved benefits beyond what all officers receive.<\/li>\n<li>Non-discrimination: We had more discussion today in an effort to continue working through our differences on discrimination and harassment protections. We made a new proposal that attempted to incorporate some of their concerns while maintaining Postdoc and Associate Researchers\u2019 right to a fair and timely process for achieving fair outcomes to grievance\/complaint regarding discrimination and harassment. Our disagreements on this topic continue to present one of the largest obstacles to reaching an overall fair agreement. We are particularly concerned that many of Columbia\u2019s objections to our proposals seem to be based on their desire to protect the rights of accused harassers, rather than survivors.<\/li>\n<li>Union Security: We made modifications to our proposal for a union shop, a provision consistent with every other Columbia union contract, where all employees would share the cost of representation by paying dues or fees. The university has so far rejected this standard proposal.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>If you would like to get more involved in the organizing efforts to win a fair contract, send us an email. We bargain again today and will provide further updates.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June23\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Tuesday June 23, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Columbia made its most substantial economic proposal yet in yesterday\u2019s bargaining session, but the University\u2019s overall package of proposals still falls short of what we would consider a fair agreement. This is especially true in their continued effort to provide insufficient protections against discrimination and harassment.<\/p>\n<p>We made significant progress in two major areas. First, we finished a tentative version of language for the Grievance and Arbitration article, the fundamental process for enforcing our agreement with the University. Second, the University made a major new Compensation proposal that would raise minimum Postdoc salaries to $60,000 effective July 1, 2020, including parity for Fellows, and raise minimum Associate Researcher salaries to $66,100.<\/p>\n<p>While we recognize the significance of the University\u2019s Compensation proposal, it would leave hundreds of researchers who are already above those minimums without any guaranteed increases in the first year of our contract and would include insufficient future increases for all researchers. While there is now an overall improvement in the economics, the University continues to simultaneously propose weak and unpredictable protections against discrimination and harassment, and appears to be introducing new arguments at the last minute to justify lengthy delays in getting to fair resolutions of complaints\/grievances in this area.<\/p>\n<p>We expect to be bargaining again this week and will keep you posted. If you would like to read a summary of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgln0Y-YheTimfQxVBc0Nctb3_7DHMbIMTZnAJ0Wzm8waye-Rj0bjdfcYGTKHN6pshGCLuzk_mh5VxhXjLanpBHhcGTPFlu1WijAeR2CxAmGj1Eo_7uLlyJhLHvz2pYsjsFNw6Oys-qvgkWNzHlI_bikP7JI0GJi0OENjjaNZnWM2hJz5dZ2SfzWon0iz-7IC9-YN_90gnnFos9B-wB5Wb-Uo3QTnMYQ4-UZl3JQwVcpxj-n9AsOuct9N0SGQxGn7MSjdQQH_v7ruRvWlECy8X8XliKC3HLB1hdZtyhzmJ0YOpuW-oMJInZ_OpANkKWCMVOZzj_z78tjtXBl6MAnDOhtRY9ocFixmGQaIqitYO5LDg\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h0\/os7iCLNtdUBPAR7jTfebxYbpSCl8gYHZfIGxLH9z8cU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlgln0Y-YheTimfQxVBc0Nctb3_7DHMbIMTZnAJ0Wzm8waye-Rj0bjdfcYGTKHN6pshGCLuzk_mh5VxhXjLanpBHhcGTPFlu1WijAeR2CxAmGj1Eo_7uLlyJhLHvz2pYsjsFNw6Oys-qvgkWNzHlI_bikP7JI0GJi0OENjjaNZnWM2hJz5dZ2SfzWon0iz-7IC9-YN_90gnnFos9B-wB5Wb-Uo3QTnMYQ4-UZl3JQwVcpxj-n9AsOuct9N0SGQxGn7MSjdQQH_v7ruRvWlECy8X8XliKC3HLB1hdZtyhzmJ0YOpuW-oMJInZ_OpANkKWCMVOZzj_z78tjtXBl6MAnDOhtRY9ocFixmGQaIqitYO5LDg\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h0\/os7iCLNtdUBPAR7jTfebxYbpSCl8gYHZfIGxLH9z8cU&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593090029635000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE4Jj0qfVCvRu8uduUqEsocHOfC-w\">overall status of our negotiations, go to our website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Please Join us for a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, June 25 for the latest updates about where things stand, including progress made and continuing challenges, and to join the discussion about how we can show Columbia that we want a strong and fair first contract.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/mRNLFKyANPYkYXuUTzk_S_qlo9VxnBdUTrStH_LeIV5vVk6NbnoEF_pp39Zb68lempUpLdlG7hxtLCcAOD90nLfhRKfiXu95d7a9Q3I9qmgCBuGNx_5CZ8o1JnL3TIaD7hdWbYyap-wwcTVDHQbSmU40rQHoLFTubmSIlAx3dvluD-An_J1ZyHdQZrerDSTC9GomINRIbe43pMUJggLBYknJvOKdW1zDhuuhe_C1vbzWxhde1xaebcqD3cU29hwzDIeOO-Mns5CexwHlhThVR_MdTdIZgRhiNfUrypBl_sP3D08gPLdWoakSHoIKcXm78PhWQ7viapC6VmwUYjbCkgSFHpBVRoWav5dwJFqfx4-f82A1plvmI08mJbJolyxzRGg8fbW_S2fhW9gZY3IFsBb7esOZGGp9xE4C3R6YKFkto2JIBL1bHD5Kxv4rM_MUZrb09UbzjLUzzBFiDipiOOeXqVmGsf2BB-8oxO6vnDiMZzv1Xf5-Vr-rBVWJYQhWSFT9YYqIuLu-ehtrvCrFkPfh5UeBKwvMgggIwbospaTOnxYIh9RhPDSuRRUA3XDL3vw9lmF0QsZVlDdmJzywGU-B2zaPnjGgPCIumFk9nfw5zuHwmbcube2x8b64x63W61EJi1xbahXGYU_jW_QdAD-QcyVnTB-fdg-wYyZfmC1LL2PCbZeMtYZoemUNlaq8mmgUBhBaFaJjW-BCaZkHAaN4Yp-kHooGVRDuKEZNgJF2FWLjWjYC-FIdIjR-a9BlXuGtg38_t_LvRqO4NTEKujOCRKoIZdvH4gRdcGgM3_6N_WOTjWlBBaQwx4zC1Z1_W9I3zJzBizuuOhUKGClyzzoddFZIQ_zPw83FN0zrU6NLHb_PwuPPWdr08N2qCc2KBsp9iut34EWMXhbtg0mJqLGiLUr8FwPtDlI9jLfI_JU6-9m7aw8GpATsdpyHDJRJZo8bfGpCEEEyLLrnwoIYGbxPDoQ-bpzLmGCsk6hrRdllie2VwPaHzCVTAJ-9SaOnRDV5PHMYQ7Q0Ur6QN1Niug\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h1\/ACcLEcQxXSV5YNZ7HXSuo2UT1yNcq5bBFBP4aKq8mQg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/mRNLFKyANPYkYXuUTzk_S_qlo9VxnBdUTrStH_LeIV5vVk6NbnoEF_pp39Zb68lempUpLdlG7hxtLCcAOD90nLfhRKfiXu95d7a9Q3I9qmgCBuGNx_5CZ8o1JnL3TIaD7hdWbYyap-wwcTVDHQbSmU40rQHoLFTubmSIlAx3dvluD-An_J1ZyHdQZrerDSTC9GomINRIbe43pMUJggLBYknJvOKdW1zDhuuhe_C1vbzWxhde1xaebcqD3cU29hwzDIeOO-Mns5CexwHlhThVR_MdTdIZgRhiNfUrypBl_sP3D08gPLdWoakSHoIKcXm78PhWQ7viapC6VmwUYjbCkgSFHpBVRoWav5dwJFqfx4-f82A1plvmI08mJbJolyxzRGg8fbW_S2fhW9gZY3IFsBb7esOZGGp9xE4C3R6YKFkto2JIBL1bHD5Kxv4rM_MUZrb09UbzjLUzzBFiDipiOOeXqVmGsf2BB-8oxO6vnDiMZzv1Xf5-Vr-rBVWJYQhWSFT9YYqIuLu-ehtrvCrFkPfh5UeBKwvMgggIwbospaTOnxYIh9RhPDSuRRUA3XDL3vw9lmF0QsZVlDdmJzywGU-B2zaPnjGgPCIumFk9nfw5zuHwmbcube2x8b64x63W61EJi1xbahXGYU_jW_QdAD-QcyVnTB-fdg-wYyZfmC1LL2PCbZeMtYZoemUNlaq8mmgUBhBaFaJjW-BCaZkHAaN4Yp-kHooGVRDuKEZNgJF2FWLjWjYC-FIdIjR-a9BlXuGtg38_t_LvRqO4NTEKujOCRKoIZdvH4gRdcGgM3_6N_WOTjWlBBaQwx4zC1Z1_W9I3zJzBizuuOhUKGClyzzoddFZIQ_zPw83FN0zrU6NLHb_PwuPPWdr08N2qCc2KBsp9iut34EWMXhbtg0mJqLGiLUr8FwPtDlI9jLfI_JU6-9m7aw8GpATsdpyHDJRJZo8bfGpCEEEyLLrnwoIYGbxPDoQ-bpzLmGCsk6hrRdllie2VwPaHzCVTAJ-9SaOnRDV5PHMYQ7Q0Ur6QN1Niug\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h1\/ACcLEcQxXSV5YNZ7HXSuo2UT1yNcq5bBFBP4aKq8mQg&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593090029636000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF5gQOXIKH6jZGZQ5PSAY2mPsmrKw\">Register here for the virtual Town Hall on Thursday, June 25th at 1:00pm.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yesterday, UAW local 5810, (the postdoc union at UC) in conjunction with UAW local 2865 (Graduate employees at UC) hosted an immigration attorney to help explain and answer questions about the impact of President Trump\u2019s Executive Order that suspends entry to the US for some non-immigrants.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDPAZiEt8wwS6hp5wOIb3CiI4-BjZsPncuWqVIL2KhN6Ll5X4vpm5R8pO7s3yg6J6oVIMsdAWXlNfCDCVe8rlciAThDPDt96jcbfefSdaElpLzgWfATdZt20Ur0aEjEyuxGXQzURg-USooYVhTPfMZIhudCGORHRKYGa9a3vhBXpYonr7FZQ7MzD2IaOiOBW8Eq8RokA6BEmas7a_JVTIOdvnZF1UZxc-FGXc6RwOZjVg5uUCJIprWxQSwnsN3saiCRoL3akiqRVTPz0VyWLfg_3hOLcaV1SZZjyK-RnmxZDzCmbdO89wLOD24TTjtOxfTtGGe_mqMYMbc7vsqqXGFVFLSv5mWprHRLu1tR6xoJ5C8sZOc1juc_NmyhmIye5SJyzXVy-JL5Dls3hsy-PMkiw\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h2\/l-Ms-UCB5EFQsaWyVq2yNUYARkOKMsLYZlvtp50x2xc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDPAZiEt8wwS6hp5wOIb3CiI4-BjZsPncuWqVIL2KhN6Ll5X4vpm5R8pO7s3yg6J6oVIMsdAWXlNfCDCVe8rlciAThDPDt96jcbfefSdaElpLzgWfATdZt20Ur0aEjEyuxGXQzURg-USooYVhTPfMZIhudCGORHRKYGa9a3vhBXpYonr7FZQ7MzD2IaOiOBW8Eq8RokA6BEmas7a_JVTIOdvnZF1UZxc-FGXc6RwOZjVg5uUCJIprWxQSwnsN3saiCRoL3akiqRVTPz0VyWLfg_3hOLcaV1SZZjyK-RnmxZDzCmbdO89wLOD24TTjtOxfTtGGe_mqMYMbc7vsqqXGFVFLSv5mWprHRLu1tR6xoJ5C8sZOc1juc_NmyhmIye5SJyzXVy-JL5Dls3hsy-PMkiw\/32w\/aL11Xk8PR9CzSisTjnqtzg\/h2\/l-Ms-UCB5EFQsaWyVq2yNUYARkOKMsLYZlvtp50x2xc&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1593090029636000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFU1pPZBv2N2k2YquNil5FPEolCIw\">You can watch a recording of the information session here<\/a>. Please reach out to\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a>\u00a0if you have any questions or concerns.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June12&amp;17\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">June 12 and 17, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>As Columbia proceeds toward a fuller research ramp-up, the administration bargaining team continues to resist certain improvements for Postdoc and Associate Researchers who make up a substantial core of the research workforce. While the CPW-UAW bargaining committee continues to work in good faith in an effort to find a way to reach a fair agreement by the end of this month, the administration\u2019s intransigence in certain areas, as well as their approach to the negotiations, present major obstacles.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlglWXbh_pKShXGlgeNEfZeNwC9F38335vQYYGkipJN3oovvIe3w4_ivQ062FCQrulyvD-0c6rswTcNkVTW6-2wAaWZnYaIJcX02-R479gfgjYyHCVur9V0RdwjoBJ9eU6rPWXY6BiCeFqa3TVVXffZKOVq1KS56SAX3yNgXHuc2jUXWwZQTkIlBUymWfFQY_lYeN01GlW9IvUqf4_UkVx0rvx8sS381i-WZhRL02B-EWIWLfK32VhudSKeqsmZ5kNyPieYGz5dsG9JYXcr0d_MflfWyim26nxXibEdgb546z81YrTh-kGvXpApGbflsMPHSljinUsYDdlCEykxm_HFFLnCbJyoLjeoQmMJWiOaE7qg\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h2\/3NtlufknKokfkP6pt1w7_NRJr8tACYTYRl4i_V30VaU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQrZbefgdZoNe3brDZbKTlglWXbh_pKShXGlgeNEfZeNwC9F38335vQYYGkipJN3oovvIe3w4_ivQ062FCQrulyvD-0c6rswTcNkVTW6-2wAaWZnYaIJcX02-R479gfgjYyHCVur9V0RdwjoBJ9eU6rPWXY6BiCeFqa3TVVXffZKOVq1KS56SAX3yNgXHuc2jUXWwZQTkIlBUymWfFQY_lYeN01GlW9IvUqf4_UkVx0rvx8sS381i-WZhRL02B-EWIWLfK32VhudSKeqsmZ5kNyPieYGz5dsG9JYXcr0d_MflfWyim26nxXibEdgb546z81YrTh-kGvXpApGbflsMPHSljinUsYDdlCEykxm_HFFLnCbJyoLjeoQmMJWiOaE7qg\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h2\/3NtlufknKokfkP6pt1w7_NRJr8tACYTYRl4i_V30VaU&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592658147716000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGtXHVgg9yByX24lXTHa-QUhXKeLQ\"><strong>PLEASE CLICK HERE TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN FIGHTING FOR A FAIR CONTRACT!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>While you can read a summary of substantive differences further below, we also want to share a glimpse of how the Columbia administration and its lawyers approach the negotiation process, so you all have a better sense of the obstacles we face in completing negotiations for a fair first agreement. Here is one example from a recent session.<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW \u201cA fair, timely process for discrimination and harassment is a huge priority for us.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Columbia \u201cWe will not debate this topic anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Most of us have never come this directly in contact with this side of Columbia University. We expect substantive differences, but we also expect a respectful approach to negotiating with a workforce that helps bring prestige and roughly $1 Billion per year to this university in research grants and contracts.<\/p>\n<p>We nevertheless continue to make some progress in our sessions. For example, we have come close to agreeing on a fair grievance and arbitration process to enforce our future contract provisions. While we still have to agree on the specifics of handling discrimination and harassment grievances, this is important progress since the Grievance and Arbitration article is one of the most important articles in a union contract. For a summary of the major outstanding disputes in our negotiations see below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Compensation<\/strong>: While the University has offered significant increases to minimum salaries (12.3% to 13.9%) over the next 13 months, their proposal still fails to establish equity for Fellows, and does nothing to ensure fair increases for those already above the minimums or who have provided long term research service to Columbia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-Discrimination<\/strong>: The University continues to reject provisions that would ensure a fair and timely process for survivors to address instances of sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. Their proposal mostly makes only cosmetic changes to the existing process, which can take months to complete. Most importantly Columbia still insists that a survivor must go through the entire internal University process before even being able to appeal a dispute to a neutral arbitrator.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Leaves of Absence:\u00a0<\/strong>The University continues to propose that an employee would be entitled to five weeks of fully-paid parental leave after one year of employment. Our proposal is that an employee would be entitled to eight weeks of fully-paid parental leave at the outset of employment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Benefits<\/strong>: The University continues to propose that it retain the right to change benefits whenever it chooses, though they say they have no intention of doing so.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Effective Union Representation:\u00a0<\/strong>Consistent with every other union contract at Columbia, we have proposed a union shop, a fair provision where all employees would be obligated to share the cost of representation by paying dues or fees. A union shop is the best way to ensure that we have adequate resources to engage in effective representation into the future. The University has rejected this very standard proposal.<\/p>\n<p>We will bargain again next week and hope to have more news to report. In the meantime, please get involved and help fight for a fair contract!<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDJdCejuAPFe4vOUOTkrF_HOSzgGjF-JUArq6GBH8WRQe_pxVVYpkI--wZmBabGhZaQlO8MoJ_4ThjJuD9vE24ijuftWcFHbVHtmRUoFS5cvD8RS3POqq_29PJisYY78TSOZTUcvTF5fd3JMbOO8JFlJhCUW6py4boPjVnCR-ylEtNYw-wqYvwR_2KLQ532Sw6cM7n8gJBpcqImNCDcztEL640_30-WcQLT9KXvG0oZbRRdEgm_f__0mCUb2F7jJgM6vXWrDRSPLQdGlKUAFIUJ3pW_WlzkQXtSOBeON2MdElWkWrMQDUFTvXU2lPekan4-CQCxqiH8uXpmpuS-nzvpJI2tT100A8DDgxv_u24FbAkoSbPftw_yA0rgNPJQevMUWqDUgYtWCxhpj9k7CMfuN0L3T-EGqSZfZn1ioqdwfax6VH913bFRWuIWwufdCNAw\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h3\/rFnDbUvn2D_9FPmAI5VCBXKbm-CHqcsGYXIQZ_NgpxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDJdCejuAPFe4vOUOTkrF_HOSzgGjF-JUArq6GBH8WRQe_pxVVYpkI--wZmBabGhZaQlO8MoJ_4ThjJuD9vE24ijuftWcFHbVHtmRUoFS5cvD8RS3POqq_29PJisYY78TSOZTUcvTF5fd3JMbOO8JFlJhCUW6py4boPjVnCR-ylEtNYw-wqYvwR_2KLQ532Sw6cM7n8gJBpcqImNCDcztEL640_30-WcQLT9KXvG0oZbRRdEgm_f__0mCUb2F7jJgM6vXWrDRSPLQdGlKUAFIUJ3pW_WlzkQXtSOBeON2MdElWkWrMQDUFTvXU2lPekan4-CQCxqiH8uXpmpuS-nzvpJI2tT100A8DDgxv_u24FbAkoSbPftw_yA0rgNPJQevMUWqDUgYtWCxhpj9k7CMfuN0L3T-EGqSZfZn1ioqdwfax6VH913bFRWuIWwufdCNAw\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h3\/rFnDbUvn2D_9FPmAI5VCBXKbm-CHqcsGYXIQZ_NgpxU&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592658147716000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGKZBohSbG7YfYMpSCS6TReSPSnug\">March for Science NYC Fireside Chats: A Three-Part Series on Racism in STEM<\/a><\/p>\n<p>March for Science NYC is dedicating their next three discussions to the topic of racism in STEM. If you are interested in participating in any of these chats, please sign up on the eventbrite link above to receive the zoom information.<\/p>\n<p>Tomorrow is Juneteenth. Here are two ways to support Black Lives Matter protests in NYC.<\/p>\n<p>Low Steps at Columbia at 8:46am to join with our UAW siblings across the country in 8 minutes 46 seconds of silence to honor George Floyd and other Black victims of police violence. You will also be able to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQu7hebsPeW_uW4T1bCXkq3PlXsWOxnbgiEqLEFI5QlJmifLmiFnoTyAUdQ_mblTCcrJjKIrE20Iy8VgyoQdyIBwBFShOk_EXYSRbrY7z4sdJHycd5bu8tY4DLOVGwYniLv7pbeHrqxcvrI9rimdKuVDHbZlAA75674XYRRSOfe_uVoqjxTH2DEIbAW9cVtU-nAW1yQimQfM1HdHXJKUu6nEqrvLE1TPnxG0oxpGASF6ncC6JfKlbI-sIwwwttUnMHmG4hDfxE_DHQKL75-qFw3A2Q5hajWW_Z-kUbS87ijdEdgS5pA6v7qItHG7YCnP_xd2jDSi1PrOW15EJdZEaNpclOaDRHmpI18aBI5E_27dv8HIuSgWA6a1VVuwhhmkSXw\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h4\/RyoPhgVuT4GRYnpH_GKhd69ujtBBwSjYqiu2c40N5UI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/Mqag7sW8TIW-nixyBdulQu7hebsPeW_uW4T1bCXkq3PlXsWOxnbgiEqLEFI5QlJmifLmiFnoTyAUdQ_mblTCcrJjKIrE20Iy8VgyoQdyIBwBFShOk_EXYSRbrY7z4sdJHycd5bu8tY4DLOVGwYniLv7pbeHrqxcvrI9rimdKuVDHbZlAA75674XYRRSOfe_uVoqjxTH2DEIbAW9cVtU-nAW1yQimQfM1HdHXJKUu6nEqrvLE1TPnxG0oxpGASF6ncC6JfKlbI-sIwwwttUnMHmG4hDfxE_DHQKL75-qFw3A2Q5hajWW_Z-kUbS87ijdEdgS5pA6v7qItHG7YCnP_xd2jDSi1PrOW15EJdZEaNpclOaDRHmpI18aBI5E_27dv8HIuSgWA6a1VVuwhhmkSXw\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h4\/RyoPhgVuT4GRYnpH_GKhd69ujtBBwSjYqiu2c40N5UI&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592658147716000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHAjjvehqObGMfVdiglo_LN9JNAFg\">join this event remotely on Zoom<\/a>\u00a0for those not currently able to attend protests in person.<\/p>\n<p>Northwest corner of Foley Square at 1:30pm (Lafayette and Worth St). We will merge into the protest that has been called at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/P8Elou2Rvc0qoMPEUZrMXecr_uUx2-4qmmrcn26n80Wlf8OkSVTtMTUTlWNm0ZcAS9389jF55133RedkDkc9xb79c_3Uh_xKYp7lcKo3fkNeJP3ijNlq0lzpzN7INgBk4_GtQy6ABLmxDNOQoB8eJJXhXeK94nocFi11unlBUo1525UpzfHBn3qkr4QRFRcMF2Mg_Xw9FnQmoJQp9BR_vDIImWiDZh4n3FlqIb-NgP4k-rR5Ul4H-wd_0USOub2x-q6AWVEsx43j9L6S44Ex9b88R7qFVZZzAL7ef3F3f1ibbqNjNV7zYir2xqfXDbvqozBeK6nsfjqwXww35fWCL-AteolmHhOLC5M8O_yvabCxCtncw2SFrhbNKStimuOm\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h5\/At87lSfvP90cAylcmZp_Uf2H5rYRRj36EJPti9WWFMs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/P8Elou2Rvc0qoMPEUZrMXecr_uUx2-4qmmrcn26n80Wlf8OkSVTtMTUTlWNm0ZcAS9389jF55133RedkDkc9xb79c_3Uh_xKYp7lcKo3fkNeJP3ijNlq0lzpzN7INgBk4_GtQy6ABLmxDNOQoB8eJJXhXeK94nocFi11unlBUo1525UpzfHBn3qkr4QRFRcMF2Mg_Xw9FnQmoJQp9BR_vDIImWiDZh4n3FlqIb-NgP4k-rR5Ul4H-wd_0USOub2x-q6AWVEsx43j9L6S44Ex9b88R7qFVZZzAL7ef3F3f1ibbqNjNV7zYir2xqfXDbvqozBeK6nsfjqwXww35fWCL-AteolmHhOLC5M8O_yvabCxCtncw2SFrhbNKStimuOm\/32r\/IlWowGVzQ2ywNeLZ0BCoAw\/h5\/At87lSfvP90cAylcmZp_Uf2H5rYRRj36EJPti9WWFMs&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1592658147716000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFdCTVh_YEQkP2u5bNBShgDFsc9zw\">City Hall by the Movement for Black Lives<\/a>\u00a0(M4BL).<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June5&amp;9\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">June 5 and 9, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDPAZiEt8wwS6hp5wOIb3CiItDYK7dtOUfuUD61o5pDOwmkrwkLXPtivnHw-DoiCKJoLJyrixdnw-pXu80oTz2SxwcG2PROBaSeojYYJi9UZ4AYFouz2Pw4Zbm1NkxGLvXx_t6eonPYkZK5TZSYUC7V6Um9q0qSY6PsFNLScetOelyZD4V1jkl_Ym_H9W9yMen3I9iuGPHYJaVw3DmHfDc0g8ete6zm14XzCW__LDGps5nRxljoZpPfZ4BBcwnAkPPe9bng_pHGF6yyYa_Lol4XvurZNogcSvb-NcbxD7pMg_cDPEZEn1ixHir0xbUKeqv0l6YremDj-oCZoipzjTx9JWowQ9vx-ZpANV0zGHW539YnBHlR_DHaVwtWqpiXo0ZVvWFqDXwBT3hNOFcKvskiFCDr5KznMOju_Qf6CmcPked5D3CxpMkBqE0R5MZQbTwwfFhlXtMlo7-hzXFSrUIjc\/32i\/Lcg-GYZZRD2dVfixl57lZg\/h1\/PudjHyvj_0Cnr0J-7Ma3M4Ze5OM3xtlFgHlOvp3JcN8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/ss\/c\/atcYNHk4Eh2YdGnwBh-YDPAZiEt8wwS6hp5wOIb3CiItDYK7dtOUfuUD61o5pDOwmkrwkLXPtivnHw-DoiCKJoLJyrixdnw-pXu80oTz2SxwcG2PROBaSeojYYJi9UZ4AYFouz2Pw4Zbm1NkxGLvXx_t6eonPYkZK5TZSYUC7V6Um9q0qSY6PsFNLScetOelyZD4V1jkl_Ym_H9W9yMen3I9iuGPHYJaVw3DmHfDc0g8ete6zm14XzCW__LDGps5nRxljoZpPfZ4BBcwnAkPPe9bng_pHGF6yyYa_Lol4XvurZNogcSvb-NcbxD7pMg_cDPEZEn1ixHir0xbUKeqv0l6YremDj-oCZoipzjTx9JWowQ9vx-ZpANV0zGHW539YnBHlR_DHaVwtWqpiXo0ZVvWFqDXwBT3hNOFcKvskiFCDr5KznMOju_Qf6CmcPked5D3CxpMkBqE0R5MZQbTwwfFhlXtMlo7-hzXFSrUIjc\/32i\/Lcg-GYZZRD2dVfixl57lZg\/h1\/PudjHyvj_0Cnr0J-7Ma3M4Ze5OM3xtlFgHlOvp3JcN8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1591986523335000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGK6OyoX8ekWMEu9ZwEjgtNEq0FiA\">Postdoc and Associate Researchers speak out on discrimination, harassment and bullying<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Columbia must do better. While we are still negotiating modest progress on a number of issues, the Columbia administration team nevertheless continues to threaten to take back proposed economic improvements if we do not reach agreement by the end of the fiscal year when the University plans to impose COVID-related salary freezes on many other employees\u2014a clear effort to pressure larger compromises on some of our core priorities around equity and inclusion.<\/p>\n<p>We would also like to reach a fair agreement by the end of the month, but it is appalling that Columbia continues use the COVID-19 crisis to threaten to deny us long-overdue compensation improvements\u2014especially when they do so in an effort to pressure us into agreeing to weaker protections against discrimination and harassment and provisions that would weaken our long-term voice as researchers. See below for a fuller bargaining update from our June 5 and June 8 sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Despite Columbia\u2019s disturbing approach to some of the core priority issues, we have made more progress toward resolving some of the important articles. As part of one of our packages, we finished language for the Union Access, Rights and Activity article. We also continue to move closer to resolving Grievance and Arbitration, Leaves of Absence, and Management Rights.<\/p>\n<p>Some obstacles remain on core priority issues. In yesterday\u2019s session, for example, Columbia administrators made very clear they still want to maintain as many limits as possible on the rights of survivors to address instances of alleged discrimination and harassment in a fair and timely manner. We explained what the experience of a researcher would be like to take on a grievance\/complaint about harassment, and why a timely process is so important for the survivor and for research. In response, the Columbia lawyers essentially said that faced with the possibility of neutral arbitration, the University would devote substantial billable legal hours to defending the University against such allegations, rather than devoting energy to fairly resolving the problem problem. This total inability to view the problem of discrimination and harassment from the perspective of the survivor is the root of the problem at universities like Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>Columbia also continues to reject proposals ensuring that all researchers receive fair pay increases, adequate access to paid parental leave, and that we have a strong voice through our union moving forward.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s be clear. Roughly six weeks ago, the CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee collapsed our outstanding proposals into three packages with a variety of practical, conditional compromises intended to create a viable pathway to an overall fair agreement. We remain confident we can reach an agreement on our hopeful timeline, but Columbia will need to put more serious proposals on the table. We will bargain again on Friday and will keep you posted.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"June1\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday June 1, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session Monday, we continued to make modest progress on some of the core non-economic issues remaining in our ongoing negotiations. We would again like to thank all the postdoc and associate researchers who have stepped up in recent weeks to amplify our bargaining demands, including reaching out to administrators and elected leader allies from around New York City. Please expect to do more in the coming days as we continue to move toward the research ramp-up. See fuller bargaining update below.<\/p>\n<p>In sadness and outrage at the horrific murder of George Floyd, our bargaining committee also\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.32b\/aTuj9jt5QJyPkYq0FxNx0w\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROlUFNoJyMc4v95exosbj38j5Wn4VY0KZIiD6Q4kl73zEynKdg6ZqWfgRD66qgfOylqEXeuHVbxhIzAaRhifMbXooEzARfh8ItdHGRAmGEnvvK0Rd5h0laeEGnW5isOI6dQZYRWnL1LoGc-2FVtEGZ58b0xv76yME2K4sBTD-2FYuDvqNTVNQLzu6pqQZt8KPtOI-2BzmWqV2qKoUKo2GSxfpGjW5U3LJW6MxWIINc-2BlvkKD0xGdQgYm0boP7sTh7UvR37hpnunGw-2FNyWRuxbvsiJaJcuvOEZbodl2HpbGL4XuFFPOQTLHhrpoANGLLor7iW2A5w3ty1x5PT4tsncKLTGuZUq6JA5hAD7AA6r7MfgMnyM4IZEPbUxz8CNXwgnNuBfmEHSVQ-2FTfxbZH1F7uE42uW-2FWEjZuiEu7jqOfFe0RGgYrlPPi4AUlzprTQpT427eTxlfs-3D\/5AkG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.32b\/aTuj9jt5QJyPkYq0FxNx0w\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROlUFNoJyMc4v95exosbj38j5Wn4VY0KZIiD6Q4kl73zEynKdg6ZqWfgRD66qgfOylqEXeuHVbxhIzAaRhifMbXooEzARfh8ItdHGRAmGEnvvK0Rd5h0laeEGnW5isOI6dQZYRWnL1LoGc-2FVtEGZ58b0xv76yME2K4sBTD-2FYuDvqNTVNQLzu6pqQZt8KPtOI-2BzmWqV2qKoUKo2GSxfpGjW5U3LJW6MxWIINc-2BlvkKD0xGdQgYm0boP7sTh7UvR37hpnunGw-2FNyWRuxbvsiJaJcuvOEZbodl2HpbGL4XuFFPOQTLHhrpoANGLLor7iW2A5w3ty1x5PT4tsncKLTGuZUq6JA5hAD7AA6r7MfgMnyM4IZEPbUxz8CNXwgnNuBfmEHSVQ-2FTfxbZH1F7uE42uW-2FWEjZuiEu7jqOfFe0RGgYrlPPi4AUlzprTQpT427eTxlfs-3D\/5AkG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1591445841002000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2NWQ06DQS0xEmr6567soNG\">released a statement<\/a>\u00a0of solidarity with Black communities and against anti-Black violence. We believe that one of our fundamental purposes as a union is to use our collective voice to fight all forms of bigotry, racism and other forms of oppression and to work towards a more inclusive and equitable community inside and outside the walls of Columbia.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CPW-UAW Bargaining June 1, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Columbia continues to condition any pay increases for next year on reaching agreement before the end of June. While we question the legitimacy and basis for that position, both bargaining committees have expressed a mutual desire to reach agreement in the next month. It is therefore critical that we make consistent progress as we move forward. While progress was made, Monday also showed that Columbia needs to pick up the pace on meeting some of our core demands on protections for survivors of discrimination and harassment, fair compensation, and our rights to effective representation during the life of our contract.<\/p>\n<p>Most of our discussion Monday revolved around Package 2 of our outstanding proposals: the University presented a revised and improved proposal on Grievance and Arbitration, perhaps the most important article in a first union contract, which lays out the procedure by which we enforce rights and protections we have negotiated in other articles; we exchanged proposals on and came very close to resolving the Union Rights article; we presented new counter proposals on Management Rights and Union Security to the University; and we had brief discussion of the outstanding flaws in the University\u2019s Non-Discrimination proposal. We also had a lengthy discussion about the problems in the University\u2019s standing Compensation proposal.<\/p>\n<p>In short, we continue to face several problematic positions from Columbia on major issues that are blocking our ability to reach a fair, full agreement.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Compensation: Columbia continues to propose that minimum salaries lag behind most other NYC institutions in the short term, that hundreds of researchers receive no guaranteed increase until at least July 2021, and no increases for long term service.<\/li>\n<li>Non-Discrimination: while Columbia has acknowledged that their investigatory process can take too long, they still have refused to agree to any language ensuring a timely process for those who need it.<\/li>\n<li>Union versus management rights during the contract: Columbia continues to make proposals that would give them an unusually robust ability to challenge our right to take grievances to neutral arbitration and continues to oppose our proposal for union security, where out of fairness all unit members share the cost of representation to ensure adequate resources for engaging in effective representation into the future.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We will be bargaining again on Friday and will be in touch again soon.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"May18\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday May 18, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Recent Postdoc and Associate Researcher actions appear to have had some positive effect on Columbia\u2019s approach to our negotiations and desire to reach an agreement in the near future, as well as their responses to more immediate concerns on COVID-19. However, yesterday\u2019s session also made it clear that we will need to demonstrate our priorities even more strongly if we want to achieve the kind of fair agreement we deserve on an acceptable timeline \u2013 especially when it comes to stronger protections against discrimination and harassment. See our latest bargaining update below.<\/p>\n<p>The recent positive shift in Columbia\u2019s position is certainly thanks to the many Postdoc and Associate Researchers who have taken action to elevate our collective voice over the past several weeks. Hundreds of us have signed an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx7I-2BQeMoTBHGzD8EWBEHFVqGmNe-2F-2BLbhpW-2BBkM5rvXkPeIgSCDeM17-2BDddk238Jr2VIiCg9qDcHLhAJfYiIkcDGzNnGN8kDYzI3zOE8wk8Ulo3FlYmX3qlm4iyZGhAaGh9J248aPVcPuEYEIxczKrzn8ClaVr4iMOSDjxFvSSl5pvLdzowNIxY0tofYHWcX-2FW9OOBXfnnxegn6LHjUlIfEKuyJ-2F8BEbm8QRWR-2FEiV4KNCh7HOdzv2KG3tiEJOtDfLGWzouJhRD4mHa0URMD7hyTJEWaYaWFI1XzDzT-2FFVPIgugbSV3-2BBTP6wqIAj9wjMP340EG9MyR-2B1VXpIpTUc9Cm3ypno-2Fm4B3Cplp7k0l8Ot\/MJAy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx7I-2BQeMoTBHGzD8EWBEHFVqGmNe-2F-2BLbhpW-2BBkM5rvXkPeIgSCDeM17-2BDddk238Jr2VIiCg9qDcHLhAJfYiIkcDGzNnGN8kDYzI3zOE8wk8Ulo3FlYmX3qlm4iyZGhAaGh9J248aPVcPuEYEIxczKrzn8ClaVr4iMOSDjxFvSSl5pvLdzowNIxY0tofYHWcX-2FW9OOBXfnnxegn6LHjUlIfEKuyJ-2F8BEbm8QRWR-2FEiV4KNCh7HOdzv2KG3tiEJOtDfLGWzouJhRD4mHa0URMD7hyTJEWaYaWFI1XzDzT-2FFVPIgugbSV3-2BBTP6wqIAj9wjMP340EG9MyR-2B1VXpIpTUc9Cm3ypno-2Fm4B3Cplp7k0l8Ot\/MJAy&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1590232559050000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGtJ0fH7Q7pUOFR8HF3aMneH9i8Fg\">open letter to the Provost demanding a fair contract<\/a>, participated in our\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnsbkBJ0Hz5Vv8STEg2vdBjmkc9jaN9JW2iJVPYXUVUERhYl8c72kTzNLbhycmxhBdONVMGKEnnKGVoTk4enZOsUQEnlah-2BkMg1ErWdjf-2F-2BS-2FVq-2F9UFkQJovjTXbBUzItl7GP8YmEa1g8qhxBCEbiqPLG6mPDc4uGFZa8t27X-2Fia6eQL0LT3fd-2FLy5eZ8AHRIill4wifKtWKt6TlHngrmja-2BSKXWHnmy6nJ9-2Fa2Uf4KfhDrOV3hOGndqX6GxzrnOP7xyhoVCT-2FXQlnqgDASyi9V24yrb-2FjZCxYTzw2X-2FcE1amQpD1oMlU2e5HkkZJ-2FzCOU-3D\/KjOV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnsbkBJ0Hz5Vv8STEg2vdBjmkc9jaN9JW2iJVPYXUVUERhYl8c72kTzNLbhycmxhBdONVMGKEnnKGVoTk4enZOsUQEnlah-2BkMg1ErWdjf-2F-2BS-2FVq-2F9UFkQJovjTXbBUzItl7GP8YmEa1g8qhxBCEbiqPLG6mPDc4uGFZa8t27X-2Fia6eQL0LT3fd-2FLy5eZ8AHRIill4wifKtWKt6TlHngrmja-2BSKXWHnmy6nJ9-2Fa2Uf4KfhDrOV3hOGndqX6GxzrnOP7xyhoVCT-2FXQlnqgDASyi9V24yrb-2FjZCxYTzw2X-2FcE1amQpD1oMlU2e5HkkZJ-2FzCOU-3D\/KjOV&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1590232559050000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGr53V62pT3OQDuacxRXhatj_pzaw\">whiteboard campaign<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h3\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx2AVs-2B0xTHGjRPEHyxLXhqLUI8g-2BG4A5IaqV7M3ATYtu1Rx8aYvoRZSfVvE74SFKVLk3IVE57oatXXGMIQXCQaxn72lyhqExS6XEZHOglHFWBC-2BnMOWC9wGlpyYl-2FwvO-2F7dnvIwpcI6STPw6A7spgEXpCuwLh3bkzAlUm9TC-2BzCodUrS7e2mdzWKySx9NnOcYd16qBz3dhlUN-2BTMtihOPjzeaozZ6nUawkkKVoQVaAtpfhBh3uIn1LxP7h2haJNjnU7N8EWw-2BMyLM091LfgkgxvpybPBTiHzrtmTyRdgkJ2Tf-2BT-2BkgIz-2FQ0w5G9zCCtsvCn5TNiAUuNE6HQ-2FrF-2F0oR4qAFfLB71irkM1k0tpkoRG\/q0M3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31y\/k8BSOP-IR9KLpAq8nEw9pQ\/h3\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx2AVs-2B0xTHGjRPEHyxLXhqLUI8g-2BG4A5IaqV7M3ATYtu1Rx8aYvoRZSfVvE74SFKVLk3IVE57oatXXGMIQXCQaxn72lyhqExS6XEZHOglHFWBC-2BnMOWC9wGlpyYl-2FwvO-2F7dnvIwpcI6STPw6A7spgEXpCuwLh3bkzAlUm9TC-2BzCodUrS7e2mdzWKySx9NnOcYd16qBz3dhlUN-2BTMtihOPjzeaozZ6nUawkkKVoQVaAtpfhBh3uIn1LxP7h2haJNjnU7N8EWw-2BMyLM091LfgkgxvpybPBTiHzrtmTyRdgkJ2Tf-2BT-2BkgIz-2FQ0w5G9zCCtsvCn5TNiAUuNE6HQ-2FrF-2F0oR4qAFfLB71irkM1k0tpkoRG\/q0M3&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1590232559050000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHYSiQvvlMHnNA_lVhDDYkCLddH9g\">urged Congress to support science<\/a>\u00a0and research funding as we continue through and transition out of the COVID-19 crisis. There is power in numbers, so please let us know if you can join us in other actions moving forward!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bargaining Update May 18, 2020<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First, after repeated recent discussions regarding researchers\u2019 health and safety rights during the pending ramp-up, the University informed us that they will be announcing a COVID-19 \u201cresearch ambassadors\u201d program so that concerned individuals may raise complaints without fear of retaliation. The administration team said the details of this program would be announced this week.<\/p>\n<p>The administration team also finally responded \u2013 partially \u2013 to our recent presentation of three major package proposals intended to establish a pathway to a fair agreement. Columbia restored most of its pre-COVID-19 compensation proposal on the condition that we reach an agreement by June 30, and made another move in our direction on paid parental leave. However, they made only minimal movement on stronger, more timely protections against discrimination, harassment and bullying, and did not change their proposals on other important outstanding issues. While overall these changes are in the right direction, we know Columbia can do better.<\/p>\n<p>We remain committed to achieving a fair contract that provides competitive compensation for Postdocs and Associate Researchers, enables us to engage in effective representation of our rights in the workplace, and strengthens equity and inclusion in our research community. Below is the latest status of our package proposals.<\/p>\n<p>Package 1 \u2013 The major remaining dispute in this package is paid parental leave. We have proposed eights weeks of fully-paid leave for new parents, available upon appointment and contract ratification, whereas Columbia has now offered five weeks, available after one year of employment and starting on January 1, 2021.<\/p>\n<p>Package 2 \u2013 This package (Non-Discrimination, Grievance and Arbitration, Union Rights, Union Security, Management Rights, and No Strikes\/No Lockouts. Our Non-Discrimination) includes the largest number of outstanding issues. After making significant moves to address the administration\u2019s concerns in our last Non-Discrimination proposal, Columbia still offered only minimal new language to address our proposal for timely access to a neutral arbitrator if necessary. Columbia also did not change its position on many other outstanding issues in this package that bear on our ability to have a strong, effective voice through our union into the future.<\/p>\n<p>Package 3 \u2013 Columbia restored previous proposals for significant increases to minimum salaries for Postdoc and Associate Researchers. But their proposal would still leave us behind peer institutions until at least July 2021, does not achieve full equity for Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and lacks fair increases for those above the minimums and for long term employees. Furthermore, Postdoctoral and Associate researchers whose salaries are above the new proposed minimum would not be eligible for a salary increase until July 2021.<\/p>\n<p>We will bargain again next week Wednesday and will keep you posted as we keep moving forward.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>In solidarity,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"April30\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday April 30, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/AgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31h\/P0Kcu2JRRgebYpJpeDXnOA\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtSJuyRCfWe0oS0Z-2FFGLnetvUZM-2BmF7pEy7ruPoMGO0vK-2BxRMe9rRdtf8Wqs7YvqwoOy0YMXpT1rgvT3wkqCqIez-2FxjsLq2jh2Mlh6StMKX274RUxxj1exaViXNTWqkg2-2FmXxwCF7DzYxxvZTspgwZ8m5e5a7bvTW8c47UgBmaeft1ZhSGgSlD8iSqf3J-2BVOJ2-2FvqQAUIAl-2BpkuiHECU5xFVwZ-2FR8-2FibsG0kvcPtvqhQEQU73tKhpmP-2Frm4s-2BMdIxecRTRMwT5XqlNW5aZq5Modm14MLmh4RKm6GGKXMwy1NB8bs6YD1kwP2u46owOiAwpZn-2FNHkBv3d8-2BJumdYP6nUhEiO9Yk2yzxiCCvMKiBM0AvfAhemt6EzJ0ljUR9kCxQ-3D\/RPX3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/AgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31h\/P0Kcu2JRRgebYpJpeDXnOA\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtSJuyRCfWe0oS0Z-2FFGLnetvUZM-2BmF7pEy7ruPoMGO0vK-2BxRMe9rRdtf8Wqs7YvqwoOy0YMXpT1rgvT3wkqCqIez-2FxjsLq2jh2Mlh6StMKX274RUxxj1exaViXNTWqkg2-2FmXxwCF7DzYxxvZTspgwZ8m5e5a7bvTW8c47UgBmaeft1ZhSGgSlD8iSqf3J-2BVOJ2-2FvqQAUIAl-2BpkuiHECU5xFVwZ-2FR8-2FibsG0kvcPtvqhQEQU73tKhpmP-2Frm4s-2BMdIxecRTRMwT5XqlNW5aZq5Modm14MLmh4RKm6GGKXMwy1NB8bs6YD1kwP2u46owOiAwpZn-2FNHkBv3d8-2BJumdYP6nUhEiO9Yk2yzxiCCvMKiBM0AvfAhemt6EzJ0ljUR9kCxQ-3D\/RPX3&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1588705366321000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGwh9KQYoABcY1ib7PGj-jQwvb9pQ\">Please Sign our Letter to the Admin Demanding a Fair Contract<\/a><\/p>\n<p>We clearly need to send a stronger message to the Columbia administration to reach agreement on a fair contract.<\/p>\n<p>The Columbia team came to our Thursday session with virtually no new proposals\u2014even though more than a week had passed since we presented a substantial set of proposals intended to offer fair compromises and a pathway to an overall fair agreement. We deserve better.<\/p>\n<p>Postdoc and Associate Researchers play a critical, front-line role carrying out the prestigious research that brings roughly $1 Billion per year into the University budget for our pay and benefits and the campus infrastructure. Now we do essential work on COVID-19 research and holding the critical aspects of research labs together amidst social distancing. Hundreds of us have stepped up to volunteer to help Columbia play a proactive role in taking on COVID-19 in one of its global epicenters. Many of us have also now taken time to reach out to Congress urging that they invest in Columbia and other research universities moving through and coming out of the COVID-19 crisis.<\/p>\n<p>In short, we play a central role in making Columbia research happen. Yet, Columbia continues to propose a contract that significantly undervalues our work and would make only limited improvements to our basic voice in the workplace and power to address discrimination, harassment and bullying.<\/p>\n<p>Despite the sparse overall response to our previous proposals, we did make some progress on the grievance procedure, as Columbia made a proposal that would help establish a more efficient process for resolving disputes under our contract. While a number of more major issues remain in the grievance and arbitration article, we continue to move closer to a satisfactory resolution on that topic.<\/p>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/AgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31h\/P0Kcu2JRRgebYpJpeDXnOA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtSJuyRCfWe0oS0Z-2FFGLnetvUZM-2BmF7pEy7ruPoMGO0vK-2BxRMe9rRdtf8Wqs7YvqwoOy0YMXpT1rgvT3wkqCqIezCq9oXKMyioG4bb2NoTQxDQO9SxmTwoIzS1HEAvlF9xGQXcMQYksSLKd-2BQBcQO-2Ft7pV02Bk8GwOWMR7bWISOYLuhTLQxCYCkyPZsqml6qTzkwdGuRRnYRXuOLT1QkVNz-2BGLHZS0nSdMADOvQdYmZZplxELj8B9iiADTEahhsHh-2B2Cws8wOXoNGKyf5B4teeTwVUGDQY6R5zyhsvr-2BfWqZBw2kTZyLGaqzVA6iAyjZYFDYWmxwTytWljJS-2FQuEbW7UfYQZq8suXCK71t9serg7x6ne3rO4pfk9mRSde9IFyE-3D\/2LKY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/AgE\/ni0YAA\/t.31h\/P0Kcu2JRRgebYpJpeDXnOA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtSJuyRCfWe0oS0Z-2FFGLnetvUZM-2BmF7pEy7ruPoMGO0vK-2BxRMe9rRdtf8Wqs7YvqwoOy0YMXpT1rgvT3wkqCqIezCq9oXKMyioG4bb2NoTQxDQO9SxmTwoIzS1HEAvlF9xGQXcMQYksSLKd-2BQBcQO-2Ft7pV02Bk8GwOWMR7bWISOYLuhTLQxCYCkyPZsqml6qTzkwdGuRRnYRXuOLT1QkVNz-2BGLHZS0nSdMADOvQdYmZZplxELj8B9iiADTEahhsHh-2B2Cws8wOXoNGKyf5B4teeTwVUGDQY6R5zyhsvr-2BfWqZBw2kTZyLGaqzVA6iAyjZYFDYWmxwTytWljJS-2FQuEbW7UfYQZq8suXCK71t9serg7x6ne3rO4pfk9mRSde9IFyE-3D\/2LKY&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1588705366321000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFWl0eFgq2PztVmH0ttZW0q6wZI_A\">Please help us send a strong message to the administration so they bring more to our next session.<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"April22\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday April 22<\/span><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Compared to last week, when Columbia\u2019s team withdrew proposed salary increases and accused us of wasting time during the COVID-19 crisis (even though hundreds of us have been volunteering to help address the crisis), we had a much more pleasant bargaining session on Wednesday. \u00a0 We made a serious effort in this week\u2019s session to find a viable pathway to a fair overall agreement, and hope the administration team comes back with a fair set of proposals next time. But that is up to the University administration.<\/p>\n<p>Given the shrinking number of issues in dispute, the CPW-UAW committee gave Columbia three package proposals that cover all the outstanding bargaining topics. In a package proposal, we propose more moderate provisions in certain areas on the condition that the University agree to our priorities in other areas. We hope that by combining the topics into a small number of packages, our committee and the University can more efficiently reach a fair overall agreement that incorporates priorities for both sides.<\/p>\n<p>We remain committed to achieving a fair contract that provides competitive compensation for Postdocs and Associate Researchers, enables us to engage in effective representation of our rights in the workplace and strengthens equity and inclusion in our research community.<\/p>\n<p>Package 1 includes Recognition, Appointments, Holidays, Vacation, Leaves, International Researcher Rights, and Professional Development. This package is the closest to overall agreement, with the most significant dispute remaining in the article covering paid parental leave. While we have made progress on establishing the right to additional paid parental leave, we still believe the University can and should do better on this issue that would advance gender equity.<\/p>\n<p>Package 2 includes Non-Discrimination, Grievance and Arbitration, Union Rights, Union Security, Management Rights, and No Strikes\/No Lockouts. Our Non-Discrimination proposal is obviously a major priority for Postdoc and Associate Researchers, but so far the University has failed to adequately address some of the key concerns we have in this area around timeliness, access to representation and protection from retaliation, and bullying. The University has adamantly resisted policy changes that apply to a single group of employees. They proposed a University-wide working group, which would include Union representatives, to recommend new policies for the whole University addressing \u201cpotentially abusive or intimidating behavior.\u201d Our package includes a version of this that requires the University to adopt these new policies. This package also includes all of the foundational articles that would establish our ability to have a strong, effective union and clarify the University\u2019s rights during the life of our first contract.<\/p>\n<p>Package 3 covers Compensation, as well as Health Insurance and other benefits. In this package, we made clear to Columbia that we would be willing to drop our original proposal to enhance benefits in a number of areas if we have agreement on fair compensation increase for all Postdocs, including Postdoctoral Research Fellows. We continue to believe that, given the unique funding structures for our positions, it does not make sense to apply the salary freeze to Postdocs and Associate Researchers. We will continue to fight for fair compensation that reflects the value we bring to this institution.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Look out for opportunities to help send Columbia a message to finish a fair contract! If you are interested in helping or have feedback, contact us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a><wbr \/>.<\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"April16&amp;17\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">April 16 and 17<\/span><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HQE\/ni0YAA\/t.314\/GfSYYwWWR-qCHyFawFWCYw\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnd6WMLuH1b4jRwTWzEyWBaPb3XvITQ84nFF5EsDA-2BRamOuk7-2BQ6o6lmIo3c8IBrtDIgvSP2pLMFQHDOURbmvReqAWX5ta0-2BzO-2F06pRHNJPCB9kpD4xPj6IGfPRh1TZX-2FVZegeywMmE5-2F7vtDVMXi9DKqs4y8bU4VA4cV9ohf5P83aEqh-2FEKALrz-2FSFzp8ur-2BtuNzcmjjM1uozTP3uUN8N-2F6Sd8tUbjGV3lZaF9m9BZnWoo05lIVraItxeTZRmrDlFAyM9RjtM9mFvgBVgxn-2FXSfO80IGlAlo2ke1jQY5PBE2LllqJABAHBgbuYUulGTTNgxynuwM5yE8F72Ey3-2BajK\/f7vV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HQE\/ni0YAA\/t.314\/GfSYYwWWR-qCHyFawFWCYw\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnd6WMLuH1b4jRwTWzEyWBaPb3XvITQ84nFF5EsDA-2BRamOuk7-2BQ6o6lmIo3c8IBrtDIgvSP2pLMFQHDOURbmvReqAWX5ta0-2BzO-2F06pRHNJPCB9kpD4xPj6IGfPRh1TZX-2FVZegeywMmE5-2F7vtDVMXi9DKqs4y8bU4VA4cV9ohf5P83aEqh-2FEKALrz-2FSFzp8ur-2BtuNzcmjjM1uozTP3uUN8N-2F6Sd8tUbjGV3lZaF9m9BZnWoo05lIVraItxeTZRmrDlFAyM9RjtM9mFvgBVgxn-2FXSfO80IGlAlo2ke1jQY5PBE2LllqJABAHBgbuYUulGTTNgxynuwM5yE8F72Ey3-2BajK\/f7vV&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587654044282000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE6dQyVePqRzcumOi3Ulw6Yw9ePMw\">Read the CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee letter urging Congress to increase research funding<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>After several sessions where we believed we were building momentum toward agreement on a fair contract, Columbia has now moved backwards. The Columbia administration team started off our negotiations late last week by withdrawing the July 1, 2020, pay increases they proposed previously, which they said was necessary due to the University budget crisis created by COVID-19.<\/p>\n<p>Their disturbing new proposal does maintain the new rates they previously proposed for July 2021, which would represent significant increases to minimum salaries a little over one year from now: 12.3% for Postdoctoral Research Fellows, 12.6% for Associate Researchers, and 13.9% for Postdoctoral Research Scientist\/Scholars. But their proposal also still only makes partial progress on ensuring equal compensation for Postdoctoral Fellows and still does not offer any meaningful improvement for long term researchers.<\/p>\n<p>We understand the COVID-19 crisis has created major administration concerns regarding the university budget. Just hours before giving us their regressive compensation proposal, Columbia officially announced a hiring and salary freeze for most employee groups. However, we also understand that the funding sources for Postdoc and Associate Researchers distinguish us from most other Columbia employees. For example, unlike most Columbia employees, salaries and stipends for most of us are funded directly by external grants and\/or fellowships. Moreover, we also know that Columbia is currently joining most other major universities across the US to demand that the US Congress allocate huge increases in federal research funding, which would bring more, not less, money into Columbia\u2019s research budget. Another important factor is that Columbia has already fallen behind other major NYC universities by 1-2 years in increasing minimum salaries for postdocs and ARSs. Overall, with external grants funding most of our salaries\/stipends and NIH having already proposed increased minimums for 2020, it makes little sense to penalize us by not even catching up to minimums at our peer institutions.<\/p>\n<p>Second, the University not only moved backwards on compensation, last week they took an increasingly aggressive tone on non-economic issues as well and even threatened to take more money off the table if we do not reach agreement quickly. For example, they articulated rigid positions on some of the core non-economic topics like our Grievance and Arbitration procedure and Non-Discrimination. Though we would also like to reach agreement quickly, we objected vociferously to this effort by the administration to leverage the current COVID-19 crisis to force us to compromise on non-economic issues of great import to Postdocs and Associate Researchers.<\/p>\n<p>This approach by university administrators, many of whom are totally out of touch with what we do on a daily basis, is highly objectionable. We will nevertheless keep working to find ways to reach an overall agreement that we believe is fair. We will bargain again this week and will report back.<\/p>\n<p>We would be happy to hear your thoughts and feedback. Please reach out at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a><wbr \/>.<\/p>\n<p>Also, many Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists have been submitting whiteboard testimonials to help contribute to the many voices of why we want a fair contract.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HQE\/ni0YAA\/t.314\/GfSYYwWWR-qCHyFawFWCYw\/h3\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnYBnpO-2BNoko6PixhuML-2BrGSokpTwQTuGaJvfSxHJwyVJjOozF1p-2BNNzss-2FxC-2F2kkY-2FsKnpyPCPTux47hazoctiRk4pNYjjBCH8Z-2FdLmcBu544RUSXWvbhCgY0aeXqJQ1hClMwtFlV9TPdEpiltBGl5jdWxbMuNXAdRiJ2WXOT5zSVbTHIm7bHejNPGiLZEVNuWwBY3eVnVK-2BbGaJTDtYuA4yI1BHsaTeIgvffbYo8sIYLmP703w5VQsZeBcFFCmvzpuFqwrTUazDxpBS6ONBjmjAL19i-2BOkw3WvQGP5dcpYf01pHwJHrwCYNCKAGmy7L3plR-2FpDo-2BitTeriZU6C-2BvD\/YE6I\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HQE\/ni0YAA\/t.314\/GfSYYwWWR-qCHyFawFWCYw\/h3\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnYBnpO-2BNoko6PixhuML-2BrGSokpTwQTuGaJvfSxHJwyVJjOozF1p-2BNNzss-2FxC-2F2kkY-2FsKnpyPCPTux47hazoctiRk4pNYjjBCH8Z-2FdLmcBu544RUSXWvbhCgY0aeXqJQ1hClMwtFlV9TPdEpiltBGl5jdWxbMuNXAdRiJ2WXOT5zSVbTHIm7bHejNPGiLZEVNuWwBY3eVnVK-2BbGaJTDtYuA4yI1BHsaTeIgvffbYo8sIYLmP703w5VQsZeBcFFCmvzpuFqwrTUazDxpBS6ONBjmjAL19i-2BOkw3WvQGP5dcpYf01pHwJHrwCYNCKAGmy7L3plR-2FpDo-2BitTeriZU6C-2BvD\/YE6I&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587654044282000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH-qgZXQ4rhZ6gN5GqmXwKajZmSzg\">Check out the examples and submit one of your own<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"April7\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">April 7, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30y\/MSi0-ircSkGDZw3B0OZmOQ\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx1pJ8gx8Jz6QBAw2hOexl62IQekrGTwQEel51HH1Rz7J-2BqG6oMYD-2BD5H7kE7m7WN2kN0XhphBmd22PLOH7sYB297E34PQ3gs1JIxHzCghnneIQnU1CYmh9Hq2fTk96xeuI4tTRIcKthRcoop-2FVQC1BbBLw2Wuoa2FKBKMpMibha05OhQbSPZ1OOV-2FYAu5mP6xDxuDDKehX85zU6HDmEQEI9xoUcM2QpJIOLD-2FMhYrOS5rU6NitscXvZSpNtB-2BVpr8VR3mhhMU90FMMELFsk6CoUpJt3opbDrRB4mDgEQBMkI\/n-LS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30y\/MSi0-ircSkGDZw3B0OZmOQ\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx1pJ8gx8Jz6QBAw2hOexl62IQekrGTwQEel51HH1Rz7J-2BqG6oMYD-2BD5H7kE7m7WN2kN0XhphBmd22PLOH7sYB297E34PQ3gs1JIxHzCghnneIQnU1CYmh9Hq2fTk96xeuI4tTRIcKthRcoop-2FVQC1BbBLw2Wuoa2FKBKMpMibha05OhQbSPZ1OOV-2FYAu5mP6xDxuDDKehX85zU6HDmEQEI9xoUcM2QpJIOLD-2FMhYrOS5rU6NitscXvZSpNtB-2BVpr8VR3mhhMU90FMMELFsk6CoUpJt3opbDrRB4mDgEQBMkI\/n-LS&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587042293363000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFlbRE79g3k2Qft_0kjR-dVob5gaw\"><strong>Follow the CPW-UAW FB Page as we fight to finish a fair contract!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>After meeting again with the Columbia administration team last week, we have another brief update on COVID-19 issues, as well as our continued negotiations for our first contract. Our last bargaining session is summarized below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>COVID-19-related updates.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We had further discussion with the administration regarding the effects of COVID-19 on Postdoc and Associate Researchers. Since a number of researchers had raised concerns regarding recent Columbia communications regarding potential redeployment plans, we requested clarification on that topic.<\/p>\n<p>Columbia told us that, due in large part to the substantial numbers of volunteers, they did not envision a need for or have any plans to redeploy Postdoc and Associate Researchers. In response to concerns about health and safety of those who do volunteer, the University reiterated that they are working hard with the hospital to ensure that everyone has the necessary training and personal protective equipment. Related to some of our other questions, the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) urged all international researchers to contact their office for guidance on visa rules regarding volunteering. During the course of our conversation at the bargaining table, administrators on the University team expressed great gratitude for the number of volunteers who have been stepping up in recent weeks.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30y\/MSi0-ircSkGDZw3B0OZmOQ\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROl9P42K6UCbn1A3RFWFcl1f-2BSBqAO1TsNtYGMpbkAhLfmQFJptXxULsw69WESazGfGAFV74EoSQ3z2bOzNPtcgMDB1aLOKQU89qsx-2Bl-2BxG1qgjZqCqF8XEyaPpfqyeHFrPhUDXfLju5CHb9k6HVuNvgQG8amRaKyY34U5KyBqdOkS38tqwew5PG6Y7VARCJgWWSoq-2FrFZkHcZ5t-2BroFwAJ7apnN2x3d1B3Q14b64iJcwRRW-2BLsereI-2BWTpDeGhlGRo-3D\/ivuQ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30y\/MSi0-ircSkGDZw3B0OZmOQ\/h2\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROl9P42K6UCbn1A3RFWFcl1f-2BSBqAO1TsNtYGMpbkAhLfmQFJptXxULsw69WESazGfGAFV74EoSQ3z2bOzNPtcgMDB1aLOKQU89qsx-2Bl-2BxG1qgjZqCqF8XEyaPpfqyeHFrPhUDXfLju5CHb9k6HVuNvgQG8amRaKyY34U5KyBqdOkS38tqwew5PG6Y7VARCJgWWSoq-2FrFZkHcZ5t-2BroFwAJ7apnN2x3d1B3Q14b64iJcwRRW-2BLsereI-2BWTpDeGhlGRo-3D\/ivuQ&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1587042293364000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGSn00RRT1POmJc446oFvn5_IvLQg\">While we had a productive discussion of these issues, we want to remind all researchers to contact us immediately if you have any concerns related to the current COVID-19 crisis.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Latest bargaining update.\u00a0<\/strong>We definitely felt we achieved a little momentum in our negotiations last week, which we hope to build on as we continue to work through what continue to be a number of significant differences on some of our core priority proposals.<\/p>\n<p>Most importantly, we finally started to make some new progress on some of the proposals that will help us establish and maintain a strong union beyond these contract negotiations. In particular, we made progress on Grievance and Arbitration and on Union Access and Rights. The Grievance and Arbitration article is one of the more important provisions in our negotiations since it lays out the process to enforce our rights under the contract, including access to a neutral arbitrator if necessary. Our Union Access and Rights article is important because it is one of the articles that can help ensure that the Union has relevant information and access to new employees, as well as resources, necessary for a strong and representative union. However, while the University made the most responsive proposals so far on these topics, they continue to propose certain unusual provisions that would place limitations on our ability to enforce our rights and represent ourselves that do not exist for the other unions at Columbia. We hope to make more progress on these topics this week.<\/p>\n<p>We also had somewhat productive discussions on Professional Development. The University finally gave us a counterproposal on this topic and we moved closer to agreement on an article committing the University to maintain support for professional development programs, as well as establishing the right of researchers to develop an Individual Development Plan (IDP) with feedback from their supervisor and to receive at least one written performance review each year.<\/p>\n<p>We have bargaining sessions scheduled on Thursday and Friday this week and will keep you posted on our progress.<\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"April1&amp;3\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">April 1 and 3, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The CPW-UAW bargaining committee continues working toward a fair agreement&#8211;see our latest bargaining update is below.<\/p>\n<p>We want to start by acknowledging all the Postdoc\/Associate Researchers and many others across Columbia who continue to devote themselves to aiding our community through the COVID-19 crisis in numerous ways. Thank you.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30p\/CHDLmCk-Rmu8UIouAWdglQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhusVd7NiS584UB-2F-2BIxJAotMiTT6i9tTbK2XcYk24LyGhOL3xq9xsEi6RVDj3TVnWmXzSytCSl-2BFVAMh0iWBZkRe2O-2BUUqpwvDUIACKLJPSaYzK3XjlCEpUkQBrkhS4J-2BdbnRz5Kwln6s6WB8WxPRPyNp8o5N1TS2wuf0Bz07B3zAViL3F6zsN-2FDPXMlHZnKwkd1fyx6xL8xTkDtqFns6a5ZUuF-2Bkx088JnxnjOb6EisShues4BRIjvkjic648OvfUzqkJS468iQIpJrInf-2Fc4coqAnhOevkb2jIoKjCorGInLTp2kawbOx1OTi-2BmMoDwG8-3D\/do8y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/FgE\/ni0YAA\/t.30p\/CHDLmCk-Rmu8UIouAWdglQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhusVd7NiS584UB-2F-2BIxJAotMiTT6i9tTbK2XcYk24LyGhOL3xq9xsEi6RVDj3TVnWmXzSytCSl-2BFVAMh0iWBZkRe2O-2BUUqpwvDUIACKLJPSaYzK3XjlCEpUkQBrkhS4J-2BdbnRz5Kwln6s6WB8WxPRPyNp8o5N1TS2wuf0Bz07B3zAViL3F6zsN-2FDPXMlHZnKwkd1fyx6xL8xTkDtqFns6a5ZUuF-2Bkx088JnxnjOb6EisShues4BRIjvkjic648OvfUzqkJS468iQIpJrInf-2Fc4coqAnhOevkb2jIoKjCorGInLTp2kawbOx1OTi-2BmMoDwG8-3D\/do8y&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1586287094899000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHAYxxYoFWlEYHJ_mt_ekpreSDM2A\">We also remind everyone to fill out our COVID-19 survey so we can continue to monitor and potentially help address related workplace challenges<\/a>. As we all consider how to respond in this extraordinary time, and as the University increases redeployment plans, we encourage everyone to share thoughts and questions. If you have immediate concerns, please email us at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a><wbr \/>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bargaining update from April 1 and 3<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We met twice last week with the Columbia administration bargaining team. Though we continued to make progress overall, the increasing magnitude of the COVID-19 crisis certainly adds new considerations for our negotiations and timeline. It is now clear, for example, that we will continue negotiating past April 6, so we have started scheduling more sessions deeper into April.<\/p>\n<p>While both sides are committed to continued negotiations, the administration team has increasingly started pointing to the crisis as a basis for taking a hard line on some recently discussed issues. They&#8217;re also hinting at future uncertainty regarding some of the economic issues involved in bargaining. We certainly share a strong desire to finish negotiations in a timely manner, but it will still take significant movement by Columbia on some of the core disputes.<\/p>\n<p>After last week, we are very close to finalizing our International Researchers article. We are also close to agreement on Appointments and have finalized language covering Vacation, both of which are contingent on resolving our Paid Leaves article as part of an ongoing package proposal. We also moved somewhat closer to agreement on Union Rights, though the University continues to propose that our union be treated differently than other unions on campus when it comes to access to resources to enable effective representation.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, the administration\u2019s approach continues to present some major obstacles to an overall agreement. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Though we finally had a somewhat meaningful discussion on Professional Development last week, the University has so far made no counter proposal on that topic, even though we made our original proposal more than six months ago.<\/li>\n<li>The University has made no new counter proposals on Non-Discrimination in nearly four months, failing to address numerous core components of that article that would enhance researchers\u2019 rights under our contract<\/li>\n<li>The University continues to propose grievance and arbitration procedures that would hinder our ability to enforce our rights efficiently and elevate the university\u2019s over-reliance on outside lawyers<\/li>\n<li>At times, the University reverts to a dismissive approach to our proposals. For example, in response to our continued concerns about potential abusive use of short appointment offers, the University responded, \u201cWhat are you going to do, turn down the job because it\u2019s too short?\u201d While this kind of condescending and dismissive attitude hinders productive bargaining conversations, it serves as a potent reminder of the very reason an overwhelming majority of us voted to unionize in the first place.<\/li>\n<li>The University also continues to evade providing basic information we requested one month ago that would enable us to more effectively evaluate their position on economic bargaining topics.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With your support behind us, we will continue to work through these challenges. Given that we have narrowed the overall number of disputes in recent sessions, we remain optimistic that we can reach a fair agreement in the near future. Let us know if you have any questions.<\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"March27\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday March 27, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>First, we want to give a shout out and thanks to all the Postdoc and Associate Researchers, as well as other members of our community, who are stepping up as volunteers to help with the COVID-19 crisis. The response to this crisis has been truly uplifting. See below for opportunities to get involved if you are interested.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks also to everyone who has filled out the CPW-UAW COVID-19 Survey. Based on feedback from researchers across campus, we sent a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROlUFNoJyMc4v95exosbj38jlPUG7K1BFKsrh-2B-2BOOvvBmL4czPcuR-2FDEKcf-2F7DwzneFoEkwxDsR7Rf6AdlISNvL809RE6eDQBWHW72UwVqoWlNXKHqfhmUOOA7saMwtZpqHLY96icIwmG3IMrBqQJzxKyZAcTTrWM-2FGkCc2B30XhHGgvWHBFcvKERTNlnwBxQW0aCKtBBV6LUpdoNg5SXcBLKsTWocFSJjeJ-2Fu3O11GBZPCq6b-2BqbQKTo-2BIHM-2BJ5CZZDSbCqavt25mxQzFGXtgXv2j1aQhCtk0h5KsjjybpiPbGPAoNYRBGzEnBRJAxxSNZOj1MyzCusUBKvbFIjW2d5lj3PVqPJ4-2FdHS9uL3tUk3dWs-2B2N4xTqP6J2LmYPbtb0-3D\/6BMr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROlUFNoJyMc4v95exosbj38jlPUG7K1BFKsrh-2B-2BOOvvBmL4czPcuR-2FDEKcf-2F7DwzneFoEkwxDsR7Rf6AdlISNvL809RE6eDQBWHW72UwVqoWlNXKHqfhmUOOA7saMwtZpqHLY96icIwmG3IMrBqQJzxKyZAcTTrWM-2FGkCc2B30XhHGgvWHBFcvKERTNlnwBxQW0aCKtBBV6LUpdoNg5SXcBLKsTWocFSJjeJ-2Fu3O11GBZPCq6b-2BqbQKTo-2BIHM-2BJ5CZZDSbCqavt25mxQzFGXtgXv2j1aQhCtk0h5KsjjybpiPbGPAoNYRBGzEnBRJAxxSNZOj1MyzCusUBKvbFIjW2d5lj3PVqPJ4-2FdHS9uL3tUk3dWs-2B2N4xTqP6J2LmYPbtb0-3D\/6BMr&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298855000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHepz4r0KdmBOvhuxoetg2zHEQgDQ\">letter communicating numerous concerns to the Columbia administration last week<\/a>. We expect to continue discussing these and other concerns with the administration as the pandemic continues to evolve. In the immediate term,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhusVd7NiS584UB-2F-2BIxJAotMiTT6i9tTbK2XcYk24LyGhOL3xq9xsEi6RVDj3TVnWmXzSytCSl-2BFVAMh0iWBZkRevj20DxIcGJ8IkWGyT0vKtup2eYcOmRvBCOhxjtZowafte8mAhhVasFFpFjfxyS3Cq2lZPkYD3RICh2ayGXlTuOL5mn5IgRviWvl8WlUglNixuQ7t9tSmrq2lhaHT10z0Oxbd4fO-2FKmZHJU2ndEwFAKtMR94PiK9Vja-2FHHvpGVF-2BdBPzj0L214VZ4hxb-2FW2cXWxpDMO4Gg17vbmZBPeZMfD5PzSF8dGEIt5Y7a-2FCe0qOnUb-2FWC7TCu7S3yUSSpATs0D3-2BorD846U79j96oGcMXHiMov1pfzx3NJKHc9igk4U-3D\/u7m-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhusVd7NiS584UB-2F-2BIxJAotMiTT6i9tTbK2XcYk24LyGhOL3xq9xsEi6RVDj3TVnWmXzSytCSl-2BFVAMh0iWBZkRevj20DxIcGJ8IkWGyT0vKtup2eYcOmRvBCOhxjtZowafte8mAhhVasFFpFjfxyS3Cq2lZPkYD3RICh2ayGXlTuOL5mn5IgRviWvl8WlUglNixuQ7t9tSmrq2lhaHT10z0Oxbd4fO-2FKmZHJU2ndEwFAKtMR94PiK9Vja-2FHHvpGVF-2BdBPzj0L214VZ4hxb-2FW2cXWxpDMO4Gg17vbmZBPeZMfD5PzSF8dGEIt5Y7a-2FCe0qOnUb-2FWC7TCu7S3yUSSpATs0D3-2BorD846U79j96oGcMXHiMov1pfzx3NJKHc9igk4U-3D\/u7m-&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298855000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG5V-UoUeeJ02uB9j9tqoA2gu_VkQ\">if you believe you are being required to report to work on campus in violation of the COVID-19 \u201cessential research\u201d guidelines, please fill out the CPW-UAW survey or email us<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bargaining Update from 3\/27\/20<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The bargaining committee continues working to bring the negotiations for our first contract to a successful conclusion. In our latest bargaining session on Friday, we made some more progress in a number of areas. Columbia\u2019s increasing willingness to find common ground has been encouraging in recent sessions, but they will still need to increase their pace even more in order to achieve our goal of reaching a fair agreement in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<p>In Friday\u2019s session, we made meaningful progress on roughly a half dozen contract articles. We are very close to agreement on language covering Union Recognition and International Researcher Rights. We also moved closer to agreement on Appointments and Vacation, which would ultimately be contingent on reaching agreement on our package proposal also covering paid family and other leaves of absence. Finally, we started making more progress on proposals covering Union Rights and Grievance and Arbitration, key provisions that would enable researchers to maintain a strong and effective union during the life of our first contract\u2014but Columbia still needs to move much farther toward fair agreements in this area.<\/p>\n<p>While we are making increasing progress overall, Columbia\u2019s team is still moving slowly on many of the core issues and other aspects of the negotiations that hinder the pace of progress. For example, they have failed thus far to provide any response to an important request for information we submitted in early March that would enable us to more adequately evaluate the University position on a number of our proposals covering economic benefits. They have also failed to offer any counter proposal to our proposal covering Professional Development, even though we made this proposal more than six months ago.<\/p>\n<p>We have more sessions scheduled this week. Thanks to all the researchers who have recently\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h3\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnq8GwgXqEEcqLAEc6189VqpuQPug1N8-2B9oqAeypuifGrbjU68x7RCWHI7-2BkyPUmsbXj02FcLWVflJyYfkSwUNozYNnp-2B-2B3J-2BnVtUxinW86eoYu-2FGrVOs24-2BHSCVcdNtUx-2BURgv0Q8aTtodtQxoZ-2BsmgBMGc6RmOQWTuNKqHSBn-2BTWMcdodzJpbNLSLkrWbuXSfZxbofkNAl-2BjofkxEzcZmduRgZ6C5wEr4UFfijmQqSojpwwsj9Jm60H29tfxy04ywLg-2BVJq3adrW8MUBY0sKErl1cdiO-2B15kcEW18JjCKI-2FZ6ag5Wwsccdhui9-2FqJAvZJSMAA4FAqECN4ylEDHCQILxLXO1O-2BQlUeY-2FPR-2FE-2BlFQ-3D-3D\/pXRz\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h3\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnq8GwgXqEEcqLAEc6189VqpuQPug1N8-2B9oqAeypuifGrbjU68x7RCWHI7-2BkyPUmsbXj02FcLWVflJyYfkSwUNozYNnp-2B-2B3J-2BnVtUxinW86eoYu-2FGrVOs24-2BHSCVcdNtUx-2BURgv0Q8aTtodtQxoZ-2BsmgBMGc6RmOQWTuNKqHSBn-2BTWMcdodzJpbNLSLkrWbuXSfZxbofkNAl-2BjofkxEzcZmduRgZ6C5wEr4UFfijmQqSojpwwsj9Jm60H29tfxy04ywLg-2BVJq3adrW8MUBY0sKErl1cdiO-2B15kcEW18JjCKI-2FZ6ag5Wwsccdhui9-2FqJAvZJSMAA4FAqECN4ylEDHCQILxLXO1O-2BQlUeY-2FPR-2FE-2BlFQ-3D-3D\/pXRz&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298855000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF-4WJoogWcTuLGBHeI7_QU1q8_Nw\">written to our elected representatives in Congress\u00a0<\/a>asking for their support in our efforts to win a fair agreement.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsMwBoySmC50JfpD9El2dW58-2B6FcRSOYGtZeSzifRvzoJ6lyDSMiksCZbv9xEC1FkNcVQPRDEMlYjChtw5n27EWuJnGbf9dzWpZWFtqIbjL-2FkL2ZHQMS38-2FeWm9GlubR7yxKDw841m5soeLHP5nx9dOJmh7fzBfOFNqNju50av9Pp5BsfUUgqvmAUn73NB69AJyMv9-2B5GE7NRZI2VsuBJoEfJ4Mn1eYy5UodrC3DD01wpq34Th37X5yiq9lJ-2FmeeXXz7CJ4NAFw0sDVBNx4nevq2C1OA0xeuZLMJLB3ovmWSEcqZNME1sy08kg5d986kD5u1m3GjjFbT0r2-2B5sEF18wkJrtUJ5lS-2F5MLSgCfs-2F7YnSAB9hxwPBjMhVQKU8za-2BA-3D\/iROe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsMwBoySmC50JfpD9El2dW58-2B6FcRSOYGtZeSzifRvzoJ6lyDSMiksCZbv9xEC1FkNcVQPRDEMlYjChtw5n27EWuJnGbf9dzWpZWFtqIbjL-2FkL2ZHQMS38-2FeWm9GlubR7yxKDw841m5soeLHP5nx9dOJmh7fzBfOFNqNju50av9Pp5BsfUUgqvmAUn73NB69AJyMv9-2B5GE7NRZI2VsuBJoEfJ4Mn1eYy5UodrC3DD01wpq34Th37X5yiq9lJ-2FmeeXXz7CJ4NAFw0sDVBNx4nevq2C1OA0xeuZLMJLB3ovmWSEcqZNME1sy08kg5d986kD5u1m3GjjFbT0r2-2B5sEF18wkJrtUJ5lS-2F5MLSgCfs-2F7YnSAB9hxwPBjMhVQKU8za-2BA-3D\/iROe&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298856000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGzqktX4snDJRR6YvIQN-uvCsYs6w\">Click here to sign up for other opportunities to help us win a fair contract!<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>COVID-19 Related Volunteer Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Currently, there is an effort to coordinate Postdoctoral and Associate Research Scientist who would like to volunteer with COVID-19 related efforts. The Columbia Researchers Against COVID-19 (The CRAC Team) was formed to coordinate connecting volunteers with a number of research groups, and projects to suit their interests and abilities.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h5\/Ec5WlzSxBJthg8o9UpEaAnBlwEUlPN1VTcTb8wned1-2Fk41AST8HyWwMLd7s3RebzjTqPJkngxAzFKszUxn9THyIaena4pzBX6J9b1PMZTlMyLmc6W5xh0n8d7Ja4B2BBp-2FA2DBjiSS3x0Oq4ew8SgaXRjYtWJ95JrhWgEz0cDJ-2B1k-2BO1JAbAlGevAD1bHVEtzBZzkFxRNDQlIuyCgyEvXq6YDEehjxTtN-2BwoAydWe00TeGL-2BHcZqVZsOIybex49tUU-2BA7me3sIMzysMJ1MV51uwOEsavUIRU45B9-2BeT25LlyuZODBxgasPupOGsez5t7H0wilxS95OoNLwPliE6b3aHnoH1d6FLDTgpPkH667x7wpQyBsB2XL-2BKqR5sXacz4\/HZvp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h5\/Ec5WlzSxBJthg8o9UpEaAnBlwEUlPN1VTcTb8wned1-2Fk41AST8HyWwMLd7s3RebzjTqPJkngxAzFKszUxn9THyIaena4pzBX6J9b1PMZTlMyLmc6W5xh0n8d7Ja4B2BBp-2FA2DBjiSS3x0Oq4ew8SgaXRjYtWJ95JrhWgEz0cDJ-2B1k-2BO1JAbAlGevAD1bHVEtzBZzkFxRNDQlIuyCgyEvXq6YDEehjxTtN-2BwoAydWe00TeGL-2BHcZqVZsOIybex49tUU-2BA7me3sIMzysMJ1MV51uwOEsavUIRU45B9-2BeT25LlyuZODBxgasPupOGsez5t7H0wilxS95OoNLwPliE6b3aHnoH1d6FLDTgpPkH667x7wpQyBsB2XL-2BKqR5sXacz4\/HZvp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298856000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHrzk4JkjLCQFZ856GYKGjlwzZKeQ\">Please sign up here if you are interested.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>There are also current efforts to try and help facilitate childcare (babysitters) for front line healthcare workers at Columbia during this crisis. They are not specifically looking for students\/postdocs &#8211; anyone in the community is also welcome \u2013 though they are hoping to start with people with experience they can back up with a reference. Positions will be based on geographic location to minimize travel and cost.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h6\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8UaJyz-2FmuxLK4TAZzZSnhcVcOtCM8zy4mJFvXrs7qfc1zepCBz26PSW5hWj-2BH8wo5TrHAXw8vw8SsnAqMAE7SCteEK5AAe1j-2FwIi-2B9v-2BfbtciBfOL4KgAlCVsfyRhnFm5GSXNOyn2JNXM-2FeIeOnqVZnf4FHUw6ritAs9BzQ4Vnvv2RHwDRtfRTiW3EmJ3ZSNRPXvsICJGzqZ6OBh5eb9nYLQQylfXML8bCv9k42OikwgGV34QUWS9rqjqzvQV2UfLqgigWEIFcFpkXVpqfhPq2W68I-2Fwc5Cxwh-2BWd51OxgeHicXmNUCrlecmUkikMDS5b-2FQ-3D-3D\/gsoh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/0wA\/ni0YAA\/t.30i\/D2fY6T5zSCiXIMbk2Tq4rQ\/h6\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8UaJyz-2FmuxLK4TAZzZSnhcVcOtCM8zy4mJFvXrs7qfc1zepCBz26PSW5hWj-2BH8wo5TrHAXw8vw8SsnAqMAE7SCteEK5AAe1j-2FwIi-2B9v-2BfbtciBfOL4KgAlCVsfyRhnFm5GSXNOyn2JNXM-2FeIeOnqVZnf4FHUw6ritAs9BzQ4Vnvv2RHwDRtfRTiW3EmJ3ZSNRPXvsICJGzqZ6OBh5eb9nYLQQylfXML8bCv9k42OikwgGV34QUWS9rqjqzvQV2UfLqgigWEIFcFpkXVpqfhPq2W68I-2Fwc5Cxwh-2BWd51OxgeHicXmNUCrlecmUkikMDS5b-2FQ-3D-3D\/gsoh&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1585684298856000&amp;usg=AFQjCNENgRA7tBVojaM7BY_eYNbGbf8AWQ\">If anyone is interested, or knows anyone who would be interested, please fill out this link.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"March18&amp;23\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">March 18 and 23, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Thanks to everyone who has filled out the CPW-UAW survey on the impact of COVID-19 in our workplace. The feedback suggests that, overall, researchers and the Columbia administration have moved swiftly to adapt to the rapidly-evolving and unprecedented conditions created by the pandemic. It has been very encouraging, for example, to see how many members of our research community have stepped up to offer various types of help in addressing the crisis. One such response being organized is to support front line healthcare workers with childcare. Please see the bottom of the email if you are in a position to offer support.<\/p>\n<p>We have nevertheless communicated and had a productive initial conversation with the administration about some concerns that have been raised regarding potentially uneven implementation of some of the health and safety protocols. We reiterated that the administration more clearly reaffirm protocols regarding what constitutes essential services, remind supervisors of the right of individual researchers to freely articulate concerns regarding their own health and safety, and to communicate any specific available information regarding potential threats of exposure in areas of the campus community. We expect to have further discussion of these matters. And if you believe you have had expectations placed upon you that endanger health and safety, please contact us immediately.<\/p>\n<p><strong>BARGAINING UPDATE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In other news, we have worked out a schedule to continue negotiations toward our first contract in this new environment. Though bargaining remotely presents new challenges, we have continued to make progress and remain hopeful that we can reach a fair agreement in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<p>In our most recent sessions, we moved closer to agreement on proposals regarding International Researcher Rights, Appointments, Vacation, Grievance and Arbitration, Union Recognition and Union Rights and Access. We still have many issues to resolve, but we have now agreed on a busy schedule of sessions between now and April 7 that we believe improves the opportunity to reach agreement.<\/p>\n<p>More than anything, Columbia needs to demonstrate more willingness to reach agreement on our core outstanding issues. We have made clear that we are willing to make practical compromises in a number of areas if Columbia will agree to reasonable provisions on core provisions like Non-Discrimination, full equity for Postdoctoral Research Fellows, fair and competitive pay increases for all researchers\u2014including ling term employees, and the set of provisions that will enable is to maintain an effective union moving into the future.<\/p>\n<p>Our next session is on Friday. We will report back again after that session.<\/p>\n<p><strong>CHILDCARE FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>There are current efforts to try and help facilitate childcare (babysitters) for front line healthcare workers at Columbia during this crisis. They are not specifically looking for students\/postdocs &#8211; anyone in the community is also welcome \u2013 though they are hoping to start with people with experience they can back up with a reference.<\/p>\n<p>If anyone is interested, or knows anyone who would be interested, please e-mail Melissa at\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:mmc2259@cumc.columbia.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">mmc2259@cumc.columbia.edu<\/a>\u00a0with the following information:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>your name and contact info<\/li>\n<li>a reference and their contact info<\/li>\n<li>your general neighborhood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"March9\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday March 9, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>With roughly four weeks to go before our April 6 deadline, we had another somewhat productive bargaining session yesterday. We reached two new tentative agreements (which would establish protections against retaliation for pursuing complaints related to the University\u2019s Copyright, Intellectual Property, and Research Integrity policies) and made some limited new progress in our ongoing discussions on Grievance and Arbitration, Appointments and Union Rights and Access.<\/p>\n<p>As we move closer to our deadline, we have many issues to resolve but remain confident we can reach a fair agreement by April 6\u2014<strong><em>as long as Columbia moves more quickly<\/em><\/strong>. The University provided no new proposals on our economic priorities yesterday, which was disappointing. We did make some progress on a few of the core provisions that will enable us to have a strong union during the life of our first contract. We \u2013 the Bargaining Committee and researchers across Columbia \u2013 will need to continue making clear to this administration that we want and deserve a contract that reflects the tremendous value we bring to this institution and establishes robust rights and protections that will help establish a more inclusive research community. See below for more details on the last session.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Grievance and Arbitration<\/strong>\u2014Columbia made an important move by making the process shorter. But the University still has a number of provisions that do not exist in any other contracts at Columbia, that would make it more tedious and difficult to efficiently enforce rights when we have disagreements under the contract. This is arguably the most important article in the contract and we intend to continue fighting to have an efficient, fair process for addressing grievances.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Appointments<\/strong>\u2014We have modified our proposal to seek one-year appointments, with reasonable efforts to provide advanced notification of renewal and non-renewal. Our proposal also includes stipulations for standardizing appointment letters so that new Postdocs have a clear understanding of their new position and accessible support in their new role.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Union Rights and Access<\/strong>\u2014Columbia made a new proposal on this topic for the first time in months, a positive sign in itself, but the proposal still falls far short of what we can agree to. They offered for the first time to provide a list of the bargaining unit to the union on a regular basis, but the proposal has major flaws. Their proposal also continues to lack any provision of union access to orientations so that new researchers can learn about their rights under our contract when they start work at Columbia\u2014this basic provision exists for most other workers at Columbia and will enable us to have the strongest possible union over time.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tentative agreement on Copyright and Intellectual Property and on Research Integrity<\/strong>\u2014In these two tentative agreements, we agreed to codify coverage and rights under the University\u2019s policies and procedures in this area. While disputes in these areas will continue to be taken up under existing policies, we negotiated a new protection against retaliation for raising complaints or otherwise participating in any of these procedures. We also agreed that the Union-Management Committee may discuss the topic of how to address authorship disputes.<\/p>\n<div><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zy\/KM-vSc_XT226Na0HqOF6iQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgHVh8LniWOgwlNF3dZta9fykIlBDRsbRm90K8S1QDxuRF8mai4H0IF6euuGypNuT-2FkSPpdrJrGFnDxpAqmIgRUn0EXnTDlIy3EPmA-2BgGiw51q4WdkcSQdud2nJE8snr-2Bw7Ng3x-2Fx3LcWYkX1LaaJdi-2FZE6NW83-2B9aUKV7RtncQcnTMboaAgHvuJ0BCN-2FDvfDZR9XXuvSIOxf9VNtLDgebJ4-3D\/mPK8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zy\/KM-vSc_XT226Na0HqOF6iQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgHVh8LniWOgwlNF3dZta9fykIlBDRsbRm90K8S1QDxuRF8mai4H0IF6euuGypNuT-2FkSPpdrJrGFnDxpAqmIgRUn0EXnTDlIy3EPmA-2BgGiw51q4WdkcSQdud2nJE8snr-2Bw7Ng3x-2Fx3LcWYkX1LaaJdi-2FZE6NW83-2B9aUKV7RtncQcnTMboaAgHvuJ0BCN-2FDvfDZR9XXuvSIOxf9VNtLDgebJ4-3D\/mPK8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1584018794029000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFFzJoOZk9eDY4L92gQJHZONRV9Mg\">Our next session is Wednesday, March 18th, 9:30am-1pm in Hammer Building Room LL106\u2014please rsvp here if you would like to attend<\/a>.<\/div>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>The CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"March5\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday March 5, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zw\/o-sctd8LTviiwFMT-cHcug\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhvyjfHrbz4q95EA-2Bjn7DJ4Mi2eIJwjlcsE0zbEumhB7QEv3SPQTfqvI1ETR07Bt7qIwU0fvDBzHlbmX5BUCrtUlD2X9-2Bqj1-2FlaGiNOicaXTvPMiypjnIxIcbcz66SDrA4ALvVtd3K38HrJVLXV-2FG9xWmToAfxKAHvfvi7vdmZ4ouc6CdoA9wK5gcKiWHREcMHcxxWWk-2Bd4mCVJ2nGZzrpwxXDynd-2BiNtt5T7kI0erLFZ0AG-2FWv8av6Vel4w1nD86GJ5ADVnOU80Qiy8tHcUXYLmb6VOTlDxQ-2FQBIx9cgp6zaRaGqiCHIkJUyxriQVBgBOAdFH7J9Yv9lwIYQMcdlkZSdv9esCnuM-2B9-2Bo9Lg5QQV-2Bw-3D-3D\/jPkY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zw\/o-sctd8LTviiwFMT-cHcug\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhvyjfHrbz4q95EA-2Bjn7DJ4Mi2eIJwjlcsE0zbEumhB7QEv3SPQTfqvI1ETR07Bt7qIwU0fvDBzHlbmX5BUCrtUlD2X9-2Bqj1-2FlaGiNOicaXTvPMiypjnIxIcbcz66SDrA4ALvVtd3K38HrJVLXV-2FG9xWmToAfxKAHvfvi7vdmZ4ouc6CdoA9wK5gcKiWHREcMHcxxWWk-2Bd4mCVJ2nGZzrpwxXDynd-2BiNtt5T7kI0erLFZ0AG-2FWv8av6Vel4w1nD86GJ5ADVnOU80Qiy8tHcUXYLmb6VOTlDxQ-2FQBIx9cgp6zaRaGqiCHIkJUyxriQVBgBOAdFH7J9Yv9lwIYQMcdlkZSdv9esCnuM-2B9-2Bo9Lg5QQV-2Bw-3D-3D\/jPkY&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1583838306254000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFfhsygbGfWzO1oCebZGIgGpeXGbA\">Please share your thoughts on bullying, harassment and discrimination at Columbia.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>In our last bargaining session on Thursday, we did not reach any new tentative agreements, but had more constructive discussion around Compensation, Appointments\/Reappointments, Leaves, Vacation, Intellectual Property, Grievance and Arbitration and No Strikes. At this stage, we see every session as critical time to discuss our differences and to keep working toward a satisfactory agreement. But since we do still have a number of major differences, we have asked the administration team to commit substantial time to bargaining sessions in the coming weeks so that we have sufficient time to find a path to a fair agreement by April 6. Please stay tuned for ways Postdoc and Associate researchers can get involved to help us build momentum to reach a fair first contract.<\/p>\n<p>We have another bargaining session scheduled for tomorrow, March 9, and will provide a more detailed update after that session.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zw\/o-sctd8LTviiwFMT-cHcug\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WzkiuWh5wrNs2xcLdYRi1RvUch1OUoBqTlRd2qYMeMwL8btk-2F00-2Fpg-2BI2fnPF9s17-2FDAZOF5Dw9OLYv2uU97XVWciSXfzNPGhYhUfCAiL-2Bm82klWSM50ULKn6b-2BwLcy-2F0O-2BSXu4LBtkOrAtvg583XoEgbXAxBCZgF-2FZ2gZCbtNTXordac5B4ZxXlUKMHNiTjHvQO9QpoiaRwY-2FN8yWH86IepGCxtrhBA6uaenYWVW9xe\/qjjo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zw\/o-sctd8LTviiwFMT-cHcug\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WzkiuWh5wrNs2xcLdYRi1RvUch1OUoBqTlRd2qYMeMwL8btk-2F00-2Fpg-2BI2fnPF9s17-2FDAZOF5Dw9OLYv2uU97XVWciSXfzNPGhYhUfCAiL-2Bm82klWSM50ULKn6b-2BwLcy-2F0O-2BSXu4LBtkOrAtvg583XoEgbXAxBCZgF-2FZ2gZCbtNTXordac5B4ZxXlUKMHNiTjHvQO9QpoiaRwY-2FN8yWH86IepGCxtrhBA6uaenYWVW9xe\/qjjo&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1583838306254000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH4OnuBksXjuHK8VSQYdxICXjpJag\">Please rsvp here if you would like to attend<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>The CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Feb26\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday February 26, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zn\/X1M-hjAQS_azKBfvOhbYKg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtyzMUl56xVbPZgqrxYsaBBN4Pm5Wa0LFguE7sMzKelJlf3LnpUnwdrBqnxYF3zvJUZv9e26hQ-2FUyMJ3usQSR9-2Fz892dSY1Qqq1CBv24u0eDomVnKJ2ClLPsiTbhygl4YV2aJEZNKXSzG0IpFweGwmu2fdDSiVa8ZiT8KptWHgWxChzhII1hdVKjMwA1vFx4hs5u41E6qXOiI0dF-2B2xB-2BRhVyM1s2Avwo-2FU8X7RSg6r5wDIBrkwlFXu6C1y4yy-2FhjL70rm9ZpOtaGAS3PbOdZ4d0RRJRwkbNIlKgJo43RijoxLk3OccLaYDgTzl4lgfTa3PhAvBNSmXZzj2KggE75Xr8LduD5u80XdgIbXYiCxqU1cnyBUwstejCLkTii-2FAGiI-3D\/gzTE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zn\/X1M-hjAQS_azKBfvOhbYKg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtyzMUl56xVbPZgqrxYsaBBN4Pm5Wa0LFguE7sMzKelJlf3LnpUnwdrBqnxYF3zvJUZv9e26hQ-2FUyMJ3usQSR9-2Fz892dSY1Qqq1CBv24u0eDomVnKJ2ClLPsiTbhygl4YV2aJEZNKXSzG0IpFweGwmu2fdDSiVa8ZiT8KptWHgWxChzhII1hdVKjMwA1vFx4hs5u41E6qXOiI0dF-2B2xB-2BRhVyM1s2Avwo-2FU8X7RSg6r5wDIBrkwlFXu6C1y4yy-2FhjL70rm9ZpOtaGAS3PbOdZ4d0RRJRwkbNIlKgJo43RijoxLk3OccLaYDgTzl4lgfTa3PhAvBNSmXZzj2KggE75Xr8LduD5u80XdgIbXYiCxqU1cnyBUwstejCLkTii-2FAGiI-3D\/gzTE&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1582986457907000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHu5MbIF2k2lBS659MnoNv7Lx01EA\"><strong>Sign our open letter asking Congressional representatives for support!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In bargaining Wednesday, we got the first serious indication that Columbia may be starting to listen to us. We reached one more important tentative agreement (Discharge and Discipline, summarized below), and the administration team finally gave us their first economic proposals. While these new proposals fall short in a variety of ways, we believe they represent a significant new starting point from which we can finish negotiations by April 6. But we also know that, in order to ensure that the administration puts in the necessary work to do so, researchers will need to continue standing up and taking actions to communicate our priorities for a stronger, more inclusive research community here at Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>The University provided new proposals on Compensation and Leaves of Absence. On Compensation, the University proposed increases of 12.3% to 13.9% to minimum rates over the next two years, as well as guaranteed annual raises of 2% to 2.5% for those at or above minimum rates. As part of this proposal, Postdoctoral Research Fellows would move closer to parity with Postdoctoral Research Scientists\/Scholars but still be compensated at a lower level. On Leaves of Absence, the University made a new proposal for four weeks of fully-paid paid parental leave for researchers who have worked at Columbia for at least one full year.<\/p>\n<p>While we recognize that the University made significant movement in our direction with these economic proposals, they still fall short in a number of ways. First, the increases to minimum salaries do not make up for the fact that our salaries at Columbia have lagged far behind peer institutions in New York City for at least the last couple years. Second, under Columbia\u2019s current proposal, Fellows would still be monetarily penalized for winning an award that brings prestige and money to Columbia. Third, Columbia has totally rejected our proposal to factor years of experience into pay rates\u2014a concept that is common for other Columbia employees and for the NIH recommended minimum salaries. Fourth, we still have concerns about the length of paid parental leave and the 1 year eligibility period for it. Finally, Columbia did not make counter proposals on a number of our other economic proposals, like child care and professional development. We expect to have much more discussion of all of these concerns in upcoming sessions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tentative agreement on Discharge and Discipline<\/strong>. This article improves job security by establishing \u201cjust cause\u201d protections against arbitrary discipline or termination, which means the University would need to establish good cause for a researcher to be fired or disciplined. The article also establishes new rights for international researchers by committing the University to make best efforts to expedite due process in cases where termination could jeopardize visa status.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zn\/X1M-hjAQS_azKBfvOhbYKg\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1W1MsFAZ6Hy-2BGaGTPk-2BsssH4Aj-2F5E81I-2F1-2FH1EUhJwx2-2FoTssZks3Pvk1Rwv6-2BvMHmnwFtXRnb3Pj6iARCBJ8EB5X5H2SthlvU9mNKIgDuIoonEEyCMZXgKj34X8mvcw0ZDwjWON3S0PqByRVp0ohXfiDluh7aeIr3d9-2FAV8ribJkxvLzTENR-2FrmCBHnKw-2F6MZnUs-2FKI9MNfMhYYThzAq2WQ-3D\/K-7b\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/HwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2zn\/X1M-hjAQS_azKBfvOhbYKg\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1W1MsFAZ6Hy-2BGaGTPk-2BsssH4Aj-2F5E81I-2F1-2FH1EUhJwx2-2FoTssZks3Pvk1Rwv6-2BvMHmnwFtXRnb3Pj6iARCBJ8EB5X5H2SthlvU9mNKIgDuIoonEEyCMZXgKj34X8mvcw0ZDwjWON3S0PqByRVp0ohXfiDluh7aeIr3d9-2FAV8ribJkxvLzTENR-2FrmCBHnKw-2F6MZnUs-2FKI9MNfMhYYThzAq2WQ-3D\/K-7b&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1582986457907000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHdD7f-169u6-AOPkGA_f8yTRftbA\">Our next session is on March 5th\u2014please rsvp here if you would like to attend<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In solidarity,<\/p>\n<p>The CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Feb12\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday February 12, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QEO4Is8UBdxhuRVd6-2BIc0NxtyxuGi9cY43jWCLLJS-2FvL4rdgEB1Oaao-2BKhKeaUB0nuUFA0NYaLp6r0aI4wJ4u6HMNeFAky8niKZzdPfo02EKjDdmjsjeejlu57UOFlL9PQ-2Bdb-2FxtMjX-2B6vpx3Ydas00Mf3ELmGrl1iKT0kf966vGJ10KS71Si79xuueX1qH1JFleGoDLDs12VqthoPinaRhFtatjTkWyqhCt0I6rKb-2BXIsldvQ-2BrHt0gNvb21BgOsJRTVhoo1TPnR75WfgwoOfqoL0YZb4j9lwrixk0ezKWUzkZdmBN6yBl6rVaI5ajYJ\/q95i\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QEO4Is8UBdxhuRVd6-2BIc0NxtyxuGi9cY43jWCLLJS-2FvL4rdgEB1Oaao-2BKhKeaUB0nuUFA0NYaLp6r0aI4wJ4u6HMNeFAky8niKZzdPfo02EKjDdmjsjeejlu57UOFlL9PQ-2Bdb-2FxtMjX-2B6vpx3Ydas00Mf3ELmGrl1iKT0kf966vGJ10KS71Si79xuueX1qH1JFleGoDLDs12VqthoPinaRhFtatjTkWyqhCt0I6rKb-2BXIsldvQ-2BrHt0gNvb21BgOsJRTVhoo1TPnR75WfgwoOfqoL0YZb4j9lwrixk0ezKWUzkZdmBN6yBl6rVaI5ajYJ\/q95i&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581883337646000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH5_0s86vmCOHpjJJW7PeIUYKVZBw\">Join us for a bargaining update town hall at the Lamont-Doherty Campus. Please RSVP here.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Our bargaining committee will be hosting a Town Hall at the Lamont Campus on Friday, February 21st, 1:30-2:30pm in the Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Building, Seminar Room First Floor.<\/p>\n<p>In our 26th bargaining session Wednesday, we signed two more tentative agreements (Health and Safety and Job Posting) and worked to get closer to agreement on a number of other outstanding proposals. Today\u2019s agreements represent real progress on our rights as researchers and also help narrow the overall focus of our negotiations toward our core priority issues as we get closer to our April 6 deadline for a first contract.<\/p>\n<p>We have been somewhat encouraged by the pace and focus of negotiations in our last two sessions; however, the University team still has so far failed to propose any of the kinds of improvements that would accomplish the priority goals that a majority of Postdocs and Associate Researchers have supported since we started bargaining nearly one year ago.<\/p>\n<p>This session reminded us that we still have obstacles in our fight for fairness, excellence and equity. For example, a top University administrator once again tried to convince us that &#8212; despite substantial contrary evidence &#8212; Columbia provides fair and competitive postdoc compensation that compares well to other New York City research institutions. The administration team also continues to resist any meaningful discussion of our proposal for paid family leave, a critical component of our effort to enhance gender equity at Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>See below for more detail on today\u2019s session and upcoming opportunities to participate in our campaign for a fair contract.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bargaining report from February 12<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>We signed two tentative agreements.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Health and Safety<\/strong>&#8211;This article codifies a contractual commitment by the University to follow OSHA and other standards to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, ensures that employees \u201cwill not be required to work in conditions that pose an immediate danger,\u201d and establishes clear protections from retaliation for reporting health and safety problems. We also secured language committing the University to make reasonable efforts to address ergonomic concerns. In short, having these rights codified in our union contract improves our ability to address health and safety issues in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Job Posting<\/strong>&#8211;this article ensures that the university will continue following current policy regarding posting of available positions for Postdoctoral Research Scientists and Associate Research Scientists.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to these agreements, our bargaining committee exchanged more proposals and had further discussion with Columbia on Appointments, Leaves, Intellectual Property, Union Access and Rights, Discipline and Union Security. We hope to make progress on these topics in our next session.<\/p>\n<p>Regarding our overall goals, and despite their insensitive and out-of-touch comments regarding compensation, the university did indicate that they are hoping to have responses to our major economic proposals soon, hopefully by our next session. We hope that is the case so we can work diligently through March in an attempt to reach a fair agreement by April 6th.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Upcoming Sessions and Town Halls:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QIVFmApzlihzUPpDny6wwy7qCzDAQjHX4Qeq5UNmi6p29Gldc-2B6ZQFhxvhOxQzA0RBaVCZZTErObqNPQ85FEdvNJsrSFcWZ1OVSl-2FLvyAN6pweEygCKd616Wst77q52e09E0V7lE7HRAO1ToDe5yimzYwVH-2BbBVGHjfrvIbvF3ze0qnNLfK4nltwcsrB43YGt0bq1tyo-2B4zzEx-2FxQGmjppLAvHgy472T7Fx0HSu87vnsVY-2BxiJUYwWPqnQaWhtwHCVYLJCuEKJjuZ08KI6PFdXWuqzInoDVGRNilf1zQmVbjMO0v-2BxVCxPqBmb8AAb04h\/d7Uu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QIVFmApzlihzUPpDny6wwy7qCzDAQjHX4Qeq5UNmi6p29Gldc-2B6ZQFhxvhOxQzA0RBaVCZZTErObqNPQ85FEdvNJsrSFcWZ1OVSl-2FLvyAN6pweEygCKd616Wst77q52e09E0V7lE7HRAO1ToDe5yimzYwVH-2BbBVGHjfrvIbvF3ze0qnNLfK4nltwcsrB43YGt0bq1tyo-2B4zzEx-2FxQGmjppLAvHgy472T7Fx0HSu87vnsVY-2BxiJUYwWPqnQaWhtwHCVYLJCuEKJjuZ08KI6PFdXWuqzInoDVGRNilf1zQmVbjMO0v-2BxVCxPqBmb8AAb04h\/d7Uu&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581883337646000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHPdZhwxnOV4Q-cuzuP_yj_DzRyqQ\">RSVP for the Union Town Hall at the Lamont Campus on Friday, February 21st, 1:30-2:30pm in the Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Building, Seminar Room First Floor.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Our next scheduled session is Wednesday February 26th in Studebaker room 469 from 1:30-5:00.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h5\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBK5GtqIdw8wrdqguKWrnlnNgbV76BFVlGU16mcP0tOb1n94T3WbZcIRioL8RdrfHYN-2BFyygnH65s-2BomPvz9uScRSxft561aGNEbvZRCgf2H2IpVRRZ6Q74hMYHPiLCcsHzomem8xOxy6PyQLZkjAfp2gajIFnTZ4yrzyzY-2BVaYFhCC5VhSu7vmEXE-2FnK-2ByhV2Ik-2FTX4VBDeNPpTApAgBOV9r3a5rQJucvWvMgRpXRf6DmXXOHctAE3wTPTPBR-2FuN0oE-2FGeoQjDu-2FpcgxrZTbakkHsAmJrIcaCsQnl3Ks5uUvGbSEIZVpPbMN0A-2FYYqrkV4\/ZQky\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/3gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z8\/DeVY93PwSLeqgpdXmVuRcA\/h5\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBK5GtqIdw8wrdqguKWrnlnNgbV76BFVlGU16mcP0tOb1n94T3WbZcIRioL8RdrfHYN-2BFyygnH65s-2BomPvz9uScRSxft561aGNEbvZRCgf2H2IpVRRZ6Q74hMYHPiLCcsHzomem8xOxy6PyQLZkjAfp2gajIFnTZ4yrzyzY-2BVaYFhCC5VhSu7vmEXE-2FnK-2ByhV2Ik-2FTX4VBDeNPpTApAgBOV9r3a5rQJucvWvMgRpXRf6DmXXOHctAE3wTPTPBR-2FuN0oE-2FGeoQjDu-2FpcgxrZTbakkHsAmJrIcaCsQnl3Ks5uUvGbSEIZVpPbMN0A-2FYYqrkV4\/ZQky&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581883337646000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFw2332fy9cB4iWaaFz9WK8tSlb1w\">If you would like to attend, please let us know.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"Feb7\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday February 7, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqezeoMgyWGavPUhKpTDfu7dtpnC-2FoJAf733ohQUp0YbSZUgug8gHd1PwijX5gF5whkRWJXnMgOqcFgmTJf-2FKjijd6J3iXr0fvOekMe1iToGS8dPaqlwJt9ffJczv6lVInJh8OF7p-2FCp4iiztx9AUMOImYCjvqd4zTMeXjcnFWI6qqmyVodssEyviWe8SHKqbFk3zxptY-2F16ruBE-2BhXInNwTKz6MUH2vbUHlm-2BLfwdZ0Rx2qYbG0SZcIgQjSaX2QnAdfW-2F6APVlLXKJxnIjUmtKHKI-2Brq-2B-2BEl8QTfbWHAT3d8cSMP73cYf0dpOJnhxpslUspBKLmPIvTU5naSNbwnCQcUzv3fujrK0o9fuEnTX1KGgZyBsO7GLSnwZGJwklO5EVF2hzmlaisB9a8tfRFoIYWT7-2BWGl7huZE14T5Wtcp-2BtDd2p1iRk8IjcQguI7viBwrcMx9doZMcwy3PuMnafbqKtoVRV1Mw6BBhLa0IdutAEJ4o75gyziVrm5I0SfPq-2F6pnym80FCWd7Oe1-2BuWliyhQ35X4nUwrefAW9rLFMyTNzf2FXuS9chbEtjXX2psiuxSPtbMJ2FAVAcYUwYltrKv8Fu-2B5Aavct4qk9tddsHauZuAelNh36JALeIkqHJ1bVJW0PtEa-2B1iwOSX-2BBq-2FlxDNDIJ7E0Ydsow2dgMBI8-2BMTPUJ2z1AnkXX-2FoKrPTQYRY-2FG3BKPnyMzZx7Af-2F3g4i6Q4gnV1YiRLus0iQaOw4e5Cn9aF2Den6H-2F9cJnApnLR6HNOHiUBP91Owjy7cz2MKj8pk-2ByoZDhe6ag9k83tm9Nb2cUsUonwHFu-2FcNolhgOM58gshBlIlBvrVPGVBfxIMEdP\/zUEv\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqezeoMgyWGavPUhKpTDfu7dtpnC-2FoJAf733ohQUp0YbSZUgug8gHd1PwijX5gF5whkRWJXnMgOqcFgmTJf-2FKjijd6J3iXr0fvOekMe1iToGS8dPaqlwJt9ffJczv6lVInJh8OF7p-2FCp4iiztx9AUMOImYCjvqd4zTMeXjcnFWI6qqmyVodssEyviWe8SHKqbFk3zxptY-2F16ruBE-2BhXInNwTKz6MUH2vbUHlm-2BLfwdZ0Rx2qYbG0SZcIgQjSaX2QnAdfW-2F6APVlLXKJxnIjUmtKHKI-2Brq-2B-2BEl8QTfbWHAT3d8cSMP73cYf0dpOJnhxpslUspBKLmPIvTU5naSNbwnCQcUzv3fujrK0o9fuEnTX1KGgZyBsO7GLSnwZGJwklO5EVF2hzmlaisB9a8tfRFoIYWT7-2BWGl7huZE14T5Wtcp-2BtDd2p1iRk8IjcQguI7viBwrcMx9doZMcwy3PuMnafbqKtoVRV1Mw6BBhLa0IdutAEJ4o75gyziVrm5I0SfPq-2F6pnym80FCWd7Oe1-2BuWliyhQ35X4nUwrefAW9rLFMyTNzf2FXuS9chbEtjXX2psiuxSPtbMJ2FAVAcYUwYltrKv8Fu-2B5Aavct4qk9tddsHauZuAelNh36JALeIkqHJ1bVJW0PtEa-2B1iwOSX-2BBq-2FlxDNDIJ7E0Ydsow2dgMBI8-2BMTPUJ2z1AnkXX-2FoKrPTQYRY-2FG3BKPnyMzZx7Af-2F3g4i6Q4gnV1YiRLus0iQaOw4e5Cn9aF2Den6H-2F9cJnApnLR6HNOHiUBP91Owjy7cz2MKj8pk-2ByoZDhe6ag9k83tm9Nb2cUsUonwHFu-2FcNolhgOM58gshBlIlBvrVPGVBfxIMEdP\/zUEv&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581446554105000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH1PJY-LTWT1gd5LdOHyzaLBj19pg\"><strong>Click here to read \u201cPostdocs and the Price of Prestige at Columbia University\u201d<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session on Friday, we exchanged a larger number of proposals back and forth than has been typical in recent sessions. While we did not sign any new tentative agreements, we feel we made some important progress on several topics and hope this is a sign that the administration team is ready to start moving more quickly and more seriously toward reaching a fair overall agreement by our April 6 deadline. If Columbia is serious about reaching a fair agreement by that time, the administration team will need to accelerate the pace and quality of bargaining even more as we move forward. See below for more detail on or latest session with Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>We were also encouraged this week to see more postdocs and associate researchers get involved and speak out, including the great Spectator piece above. In recent weeks, researchers have signed open letters, met with and explained our priorities to campus administrators, and have communicated our concerns to elected leaders in Congress. Given the rapidly approaching deadline and large number of outstanding issues, including our core demands for economic improvements, we encourage all postdocs and associate researchers to continue preparing for further actions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More on our February 7 bargaining session. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We exchanged proposals on Discipline and Discharge, Health and Safety, Intellectual Property, Job Posting, Union Security, Appointments and Reappointments, Holidays, Vacation, and Leaves. We also shared with Columbia another example of language that describes power-based harassment or \u201cbullying\u201d in an effort to continue our discussion about including meaningful protections against such abusive behavior in our contract.<\/p>\n<p>Highlights from this session include the following.<\/p>\n<p>On Discipline and Discharge, the University proposed language for the first time committing them to work with the Union to expedite the grievance process in cases where termination of an appointment might jeopardize the visa status of an international researcher. This is an important step by the administration team, but we expect to have further discussion on this topic and the article more generally.<\/p>\n<p>We moved closer to agreement on Health and Safety, Intellectual Property, and Job Posting. On Health and Safety, we continue to work through a number of disagreements, including clarifying our rights and protections when we are required to perform work that could present an imminent threat to our safety..<\/p>\n<p>We also moved closer to the University\u2019s position overall on a package proposal involving Appointments and Reappointments, Holidays, Vacation and Leaves. In a package proposal such as this one, we propose more moderate provisions in certain areas on the condition that the University agree to certain priority issues like improved access to fully-paid paid family leave. Paid leave is a priority issue that we believe would enhance equity and inclusion in the Columbia research community \u2013 but so far the administration team has not proposed any improvement on this topic.<\/p>\n<p>We have another session this Wednesday, February 12 from 9:30-1:00pm in Studebaker 469.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1W-2FWqCOGizdu8AhyoXQairfbJS6uQq4heiUM5hwRK8jcViMlUjCVlEgDix9r48kC3ackhyP8iK-2Fp5N4HlRJmCtwg0WyZnoG9edRZQZ3IQRQQ0W67xc4CWeLZBiDcvF2YFf1t8htRW3c-2B-2B83LD5-2FVj8Q7pErz-2FMUzrW67F-2BRRn8NeHowDA9x3ia-2Ffv4-2BUFoEDZOtV9vw3ajA-2FvWIaa-2B-2F-2FGpN871ympvuQxe1Bkbs5XSdzG\/eyA-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1W-2FWqCOGizdu8AhyoXQairfbJS6uQq4heiUM5hwRK8jcViMlUjCVlEgDix9r48kC3ackhyP8iK-2Fp5N4HlRJmCtwg0WyZnoG9edRZQZ3IQRQQ0W67xc4CWeLZBiDcvF2YFf1t8htRW3c-2B-2B83LD5-2FVj8Q7pErz-2FMUzrW67F-2BRRn8NeHowDA9x3ia-2Ffv4-2BUFoEDZOtV9vw3ajA-2FvWIaa-2B-2F-2FGpN871ympvuQxe1Bkbs5XSdzG\/eyA-&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581446554105000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEFnaxmQxVBIE32xKOhlhAm0hOlEw\">If you would like to attend, please let us know.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Join us for a bargaining update town hall at the Lamont-Doherty Campus.<\/p>\n<p>Our bargaining committee will be hosting a Town Hall at the Lamont Campus on Friday, February 21st, 1:30-2:30pm in the Gary C. Comer Geochemistry Building, Seminar Room First Floor.<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h3\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QkKwo0S2s2AmuXZgNEEFy1E8ICfvPxGwhAyEbw-2FMQxKYn7QUygDa8Hp3pXfi0iWL1LMasuDqns1IQKEVYRpT2hcSZidrDA-2F0C4fOulZ5YKJlz1wub0QtZRM6MateOJUQQTq8YAhjZ-2BZGKnOIsuYB1-2FyUN6QIj-2FA5ILEXlhnrUYf0pFsqUXan1y-2FO-2Bwjs6-2BqN6c5SyacxW6QgWPdM3s54hq254onLgJaCH91oh7ErhMJSCglqU-2FwP5KCBSaIhhEUZUeB0sMuTJOPLW99dgFo-2F3Ca9leXpeuHjyVweI2esmqtMzfCcZl0WrjZSaJb82Sxwg\/yB2V\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/6AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z5\/pMxfMxuaSeq8todNylUoGw\/h3\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhsxogHZYTdOXOEAsgZClauY-2F8eN9PAaoa-2BXd6i51SMT2dPI6gU1gOXkZBgG0PDlEw77csbIRBXswmHRK-2F-2FvVy8QkKwo0S2s2AmuXZgNEEFy1E8ICfvPxGwhAyEbw-2FMQxKYn7QUygDa8Hp3pXfi0iWL1LMasuDqns1IQKEVYRpT2hcSZidrDA-2F0C4fOulZ5YKJlz1wub0QtZRM6MateOJUQQTq8YAhjZ-2BZGKnOIsuYB1-2FyUN6QIj-2FA5ILEXlhnrUYf0pFsqUXan1y-2FO-2Bwjs6-2BqN6c5SyacxW6QgWPdM3s54hq254onLgJaCH91oh7ErhMJSCglqU-2FwP5KCBSaIhhEUZUeB0sMuTJOPLW99dgFo-2F3Ca9leXpeuHjyVweI2esmqtMzfCcZl0WrjZSaJb82Sxwg\/yB2V&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581446554105000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE9OEpGmkfC5yhKp_v8veH3DrNj3Q\">\u00a0Please RSVP here if you would like to join us.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"Jan17\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday January 17, 2020<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/4QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z1\/oo0Lj1Y-T4iwJFaZMNuGVg\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqezeoMgyWGavPUhKpTDfu7dtpnC-2FoJAf733ohQUp0YbSZUgug8gHd1PwijX5gF5whkmnLX5Ab7sigOjuuzVdDJF-2BHPlv-2BGpIdnpppHv7Ibfwc7-2BVDf2hDX528QKyAUuDlIZWYdK4NA60HM63fY2-2FqW2bdZxPV0E4fT-2F-2FZX8E-2BJz7qr7reRSO8wJMXPgQkylnyzPqvpgJcxDSNhRoM37lytBiI8UYNIpYzzDy64RTLL3JL7XmsjSGrmYKyNqJgQrCKKLoIdcMc7CsmE5LeFi5geOCf3EO5fj5uPAKOQSlThoKCyflwNNjYGcS37CBHKRTZq8dsx5VIAXVLQUodEeddH3Ugz9LudKcEZVxias8xwbqdaur36-2FsVxXCUZlw1prbUPAasFb4sdP7nzaU1gh2PqOPd9P9OX12VQ32wgF02HtLxLWc-2FSxASzm6nOH09QjRILeHUCW9lSapJ-2Br1n9TpHhfEi-2BB892opwb9McxLGpN-2Fk-2FWU9n07MoOjeoMOPKFmC2mSIYcOuNj9dJTfU5kvyBFaaLMgdvnV5nJ-2Fak0WmouKayMceNRHJbe1zzWRlrTDnT7Ztf6SUcfcyFCQdsz2wbwyYREYwfpy5BaDdUiRw9u8ZyyhCWVDkedQhl1DK163DcA3iaw-2FH1VnKrnZ4vhwE4xJxYZL-2FaEZlWncIt-2BSmg-2FNHTedtIq5cKMWNNERu8I2nCevopfIt452qm3Gzcw03pbyDKLpwxlsSriTMvUcta3KFNI32gc2pvf0r1pVmq8PebyQiy9RyCr100Q0zqskmY09B1FFrXi0DsFcPISb8lbp2g-3D-3D\/ijiR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/4QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2z1\/oo0Lj1Y-T4iwJFaZMNuGVg\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqezeoMgyWGavPUhKpTDfu7dtpnC-2FoJAf733ohQUp0YbSZUgug8gHd1PwijX5gF5whkmnLX5Ab7sigOjuuzVdDJF-2BHPlv-2BGpIdnpppHv7Ibfwc7-2BVDf2hDX528QKyAUuDlIZWYdK4NA60HM63fY2-2FqW2bdZxPV0E4fT-2F-2FZX8E-2BJz7qr7reRSO8wJMXPgQkylnyzPqvpgJcxDSNhRoM37lytBiI8UYNIpYzzDy64RTLL3JL7XmsjSGrmYKyNqJgQrCKKLoIdcMc7CsmE5LeFi5geOCf3EO5fj5uPAKOQSlThoKCyflwNNjYGcS37CBHKRTZq8dsx5VIAXVLQUodEeddH3Ugz9LudKcEZVxias8xwbqdaur36-2FsVxXCUZlw1prbUPAasFb4sdP7nzaU1gh2PqOPd9P9OX12VQ32wgF02HtLxLWc-2FSxASzm6nOH09QjRILeHUCW9lSapJ-2Br1n9TpHhfEi-2BB892opwb9McxLGpN-2Fk-2FWU9n07MoOjeoMOPKFmC2mSIYcOuNj9dJTfU5kvyBFaaLMgdvnV5nJ-2Fak0WmouKayMceNRHJbe1zzWRlrTDnT7Ztf6SUcfcyFCQdsz2wbwyYREYwfpy5BaDdUiRw9u8ZyyhCWVDkedQhl1DK163DcA3iaw-2FH1VnKrnZ4vhwE4xJxYZL-2FaEZlWncIt-2BSmg-2FNHTedtIq5cKMWNNERu8I2nCevopfIt452qm3Gzcw03pbyDKLpwxlsSriTMvUcta3KFNI32gc2pvf0r1pVmq8PebyQiy9RyCr100Q0zqskmY09B1FFrXi0DsFcPISb8lbp2g-3D-3D\/ijiR&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1581116731493000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFrc6_PC6u7nDpE6rppCkZl_ANZow\">Click here \u2013 great opinion piece on the need for Postdoc\/Associate salary increases!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In actions across campus and the community over recent days, we sent a clear message that Columbia needs to dramatically improve compensation for Postdocs and Associate Researchers. The administration\u2019s initial response makes clear we need to continue expanding our voice inside and outside bargaining if we want to win improved compensation and a fair union contract by April 6. \u00a0 As one Columbia administrator put it at the bargaining table, \u201c<em>The University does not believe that anyone is underpaid<\/em>.\u201d See below for more details on recent bargaining and related activities.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Fighting for fair compensation inside and outside bargaining<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Thanks to the hundreds of Postdocs and Associates who signed our open letter, shared their stories and helped deliver our message regarding how Columbia\u2019s lagging compensation practices harm us and scientific research.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The day before bargaining,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2yl\/PIA3l83ZT_-L467PTKpipA\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx8CVdIkI4bZNjXwvyyO0f9vpXsxEmqL-2BGNb60A0E7kiJy3YkXJSMbJqzOS5cNPMmQv-2Fa7qpbzF6GZ5Jsc843XI3-2BhSrs3JDhiYwle2jnDiVGIu7GANKKKUbFA-2F89rnhnsIMYpii5SB7K4FdFIYksa2b-2FV0lVBKg0xXbO6eFO0uqX8y7qpxzGuSKrcuMn1YA1Mx8lVbkABdu6hmeHlaGJ-2BzUV2vIINF4VZhfUnVdPZLthKnI6XjQJH0Lli4B7wSnuUGbbvI-2F7HJI5qYWxBEFoV0fSmncHOUUMUBwNeYjIr1A8CLk1dizNy6iSasWpoV8uJRKIInomCfOB-2Bql-2F4rNYC4uOibUfDcF-2F1r7cdHlOw4LK\/TN95\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2yl\/PIA3l83ZT_-L467PTKpipA\/h1\/Nejq3qQQ6Jn1R8HM5bnp8FDD3mDf19tQHnno-2FqPQMqc3oGlsLvqWiHX8Mn8icRVVUPTJo-2BsIioUI-2Fdrvo38Tx8CVdIkI4bZNjXwvyyO0f9vpXsxEmqL-2BGNb60A0E7kiJy3YkXJSMbJqzOS5cNPMmQv-2Fa7qpbzF6GZ5Jsc843XI3-2BhSrs3JDhiYwle2jnDiVGIu7GANKKKUbFA-2F89rnhnsIMYpii5SB7K4FdFIYksa2b-2FV0lVBKg0xXbO6eFO0uqX8y7qpxzGuSKrcuMn1YA1Mx8lVbkABdu6hmeHlaGJ-2BzUV2vIINF4VZhfUnVdPZLthKnI6XjQJH0Lli4B7wSnuUGbbvI-2F7HJI5qYWxBEFoV0fSmncHOUUMUBwNeYjIr1A8CLk1dizNy6iSasWpoV8uJRKIInomCfOB-2Bql-2F4rNYC4uOibUfDcF-2F1r7cdHlOw4LK\/TN95&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1579792228185000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGmaZgETfNsD3AOzRfdX7asYXwfKA\">delegations of researchers delivered our open letter<\/a>\u00a0demanding salary improvements to the offices of Provost Ira Katznelson and Dean Lee Goldman.<\/li>\n<li>As we were bargaining with the university team, a delegation of researchers from our union were also meeting with and explaining our goals with US Representative Grace Meng, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee that oversees the federal budget funding most of the research at Columbia.<\/li>\n<li>At the bargaining table, we explained the basis for our proposal for significant compensation improvements and shared stories from Postdocs and Associates about how Columbia\u2019s lagging salaries undermine excellence and hinder equity and inclusion in our research community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The fact that minimum postdoc salaries at Columbia are roughly 14% to 17% behind other New York City research institutions underscores why fair compensation is a core priority in our negotiations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Other Updates from Bargaining on January 17<\/strong><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>While we spent significant time on compensation, we also discussed our overall progress and believe we share a mutual interest with Columbia in reaching overall agreement on a contract in a timely manner.<\/p>\n<p>We had a somewhat productive conversation around our package of four proposals on Appointments, Holidays, Vacation, and Leaves of Absence. We hope that by discussing all of these topics together, we can make progress on priority issues like improving the clarity and security of our appointments and establishing the right to fully-paid parental and other leaves of absence. We believe such improvements would make Columbia more competitive and inclusive.<\/p>\n<p>While we believe Columbia genuinely wants to finish negotiations in a timely manner, the administration will need to make substantial changes to many of their proposals in order for us to reach a fair contract that achieves our bargaining goals. We have sessions scheduled for February 7 and February 12 and hope to continue making progress.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2yl\/PIA3l83ZT_-L467PTKpipA\/h2\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8UWSwoQ3tYxd3Dgcg2kVzvdmMGmMW24bnYIfZhQFXc7Unj8mxWnCAZHuwLv-2Fu5WYKPcl-2Bv-2BJ-2FClk0uluhA4Oe-2FoAxIHphJ5i-2BRacXHCKWzfn1O28jWITcJEPYreuhkDhhyZ0GMmwOAS-2BgAbC8HRKShjtoNE7-2FVLgax-2BCQRjWIQ7EtEmkr-2BWOT0z83LQg8cb1R4XBtTPj-2FpxKzsOoEBr68tz-2FtpOknA-2BTRoMCvazk1ZcowOFvzqfFUo9UebfumcBriJKvKQG81atbJ4eU6qvPkY-2BaJNAQs1JaaEeH-2FQdODJWUS90lfk-2FypS3Ozv1fu7PGLYw-3D-3D\/dB5c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2yl\/PIA3l83ZT_-L467PTKpipA\/h2\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8UWSwoQ3tYxd3Dgcg2kVzvdmMGmMW24bnYIfZhQFXc7Unj8mxWnCAZHuwLv-2Fu5WYKPcl-2Bv-2BJ-2FClk0uluhA4Oe-2FoAxIHphJ5i-2BRacXHCKWzfn1O28jWITcJEPYreuhkDhhyZ0GMmwOAS-2BgAbC8HRKShjtoNE7-2FVLgax-2BCQRjWIQ7EtEmkr-2BWOT0z83LQg8cb1R4XBtTPj-2FpxKzsOoEBr68tz-2FtpOknA-2BTRoMCvazk1ZcowOFvzqfFUo9UebfumcBriJKvKQG81atbJ4eU6qvPkY-2BaJNAQs1JaaEeH-2FQdODJWUS90lfk-2FypS3Ozv1fu7PGLYw-3D-3D\/dB5c&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1579792228185000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEDl5mm6_dWRRg8yBNG2r-7MKIoCA\">Please click here to let us know if you can make it to an upcoming session.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"Dec19\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday December 19, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our bargaining session on Thursday last week, we discussed Recognition, Intellectual Property, Non-Discrimination and Harassment, and Grievance and Arbitration articles.<\/p>\n<p>Columbia made an official counter proposal on Non-Discrimination and Harassment that codified the verbal commitment they made last session to a work environment \u201cfree from abusive or intimidating behavior.\u201d It also included a commitment to create a working group to discuss forms of abuse or harassment that are not covered under the University\u2019s EOAA process, which would then make recommendations to the university administration for future policies.<\/p>\n<p>Given that Columbia initially refused to acknowledge that power-based harassment is a major problem, we see their proposal as a step forward, which could improve the workplace environment for all workers on campus. However, we will continue to push beyond forming new committees to also establish enforceable protections against power-based harassment in our contract.<\/p>\n<p>The university\u2019s team also asked to have further discussion on Recognition (which says who is represented by the union). We continue to have concerns that the administration proposal could inappropriately exclude a small number of individuals with external fellowships who they believe are not \u201cemployees\u201d of the University. We want to ensure that as many researchers as possible are represented and benefit from our contract. We intend to continue working to understand the variety of funding situations for fellows so we can reach an agreement that ensures maximum inclusion in our union.<\/p>\n<p>We also briefly touched on Intellectual Property, asking some clarifying questions about the administration\u2019s language, and gave Columbia a new counter proposal on Grievance and Arbitration that attempts to address some of Columbia\u2019s concerns with the definition of a grievance.<\/p>\n<p>We expect to have January bargaining dates sometime soon and will keep everyone informed as we move into the new year.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"Dec11\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday December 11, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: inherit;\">In our latest bargaining session this week, we discussed Health and Safety, Intellectual Property, Leaves of Absence, and Non-Discrimination. As Columbia continues its overall evaluation of our economic proposals on topics like salaries and health benefits, which we gave to them several months ago, we expect to continue to bargain over our proposals on workplace rights and protections. Highlights from this paticular session revolve mostly around the topic of non-discrimination and our overall goal of negotiating improvements that enhance equity and inclusion at Columbia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Columbia\u2019s team informed us that, rather than consider our bargaining proposal on non-discrimination, they wanted to hear us explain our concerns regarding Columbia\u2019s current policies on and approach to addressing discrimination and harassment at the University. The administration team further told us they intend to establish a campus-wide committee to review and recommend changes to the current non-discrimination policies and procedures. They proposed that this committee could include representatives from our Union and would be established some time next year. While we appreciate Columbia acknowledging that its policies could be improved, and are confident that the petition earlier this year from a majority of researchers helped bring them to that conclusion, we also do not see the establishment of a committee as a substitute for codifying specific rights in our union contract. While discussing these concerns with the administration, we again drew their attention to one component of our proposal that is completely missing in their EOAA policy \u2013 protections against power-based harassment or \u201cbullying.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The administration team acknowledged more clearly than before that bullying is a problem, can inhibit mentorship and the advancement of science, and should be examined more thoroughly. However, they continued to resist putting any protections against bullying into our collective bargaining agreement. Given that the University has never included the concept of bullying in its non-discrimination policies, we know we will continue to have to fight both at the bargaining table and outside the bargaining room in order to make progress on this increasingly important topic for the research community.<\/p>\n<p>We also gave Columbia a new Health and Safety proposal and discussed some aspects of our respective positions on Intellectual Property. Finally, we reminded them about the importance of our proposal for paid parental leave, another component of our efforts to enhance gender equity at Columbia and an increasingly common benefit at comparable research institutions. They said they consider the proposal to have an economic cost to the University budget and so do not plan to respond until they finish evaluating and responding to all of our economic proposals.<\/p>\n<p>We will keep you updated as always and let us know if you have any questions.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session is on\u00a0<strong>December 19th, 1pm-4pm, Studebaker Building<\/strong>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/4wA\/ni0YAA\/t.2xi\/-myfvU7XQCiFMnekgxD6uQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgP1zVzDiIKc0gErXlvFIkxWIGwJoGbS5LZ-2FouRLprJ0fDFDdL0XTTrNCDdDSC54bH90CBTtFHwSigtO4OvWAH6oyIAZYBDVPl-2FADvCv3U5SU3OToV-2BXN2lnPEPCZDYgqWKIijFA1BlBL2-2FXiB1qMDlzuvJ5st0YbPcHvLYNTAi0UPd4Ep0n-2BE5ImYQdBKaAEa7hOfxDK4CYn8bqEIXM3vmnsUEAVa34aabgRWT-2BiGy9I\/3e7Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/4wA\/ni0YAA\/t.2xi\/-myfvU7XQCiFMnekgxD6uQ\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgP1zVzDiIKc0gErXlvFIkxWIGwJoGbS5LZ-2FouRLprJ0fDFDdL0XTTrNCDdDSC54bH90CBTtFHwSigtO4OvWAH6oyIAZYBDVPl-2FADvCv3U5SU3OToV-2BXN2lnPEPCZDYgqWKIijFA1BlBL2-2FXiB1qMDlzuvJ5st0YbPcHvLYNTAi0UPd4Ep0n-2BE5ImYQdBKaAEa7hOfxDK4CYn8bqEIXM3vmnsUEAVa34aabgRWT-2BiGy9I\/3e7Y&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1576866442128000&amp;usg=AFQjCNG9UjcynP1JbwggwXsQVGjnJNPKhA\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Nov25\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday November 25, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We will be holding town halls to discuss the current status of our campaign to win improvements in our first union contract. This is a great opportunity to learn about the bargaining process, progress we have made so far, and what it will take to overcome Columbia\u2019s continued resistance to some of our core proposals.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/DAE\/ni0YAA\/t.2x9\/xbrTvskERVCFd_wx7WBasw\/h0\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8Udjk5-2BE9Z8eh4EMTpX-2FbwK0wqXW-2BeSSyouODU-2FzDW6BtHmRM7xmfsWHyXB3uCelPsrEGknCVIUaEWrSM2dLOzF3pwWbitnseuP3z04R0OaDCtOsMAUQ2REbVesUF95hjqh2yyKcybL5iXvQORnTNB-2BrBPa4gp9S-2Byx-2BR-2FlXFaDDfNZhrpMgAREbd7pIKpUHbAeg1uEWgZLlV01YCKhMWEBiWKTy5PuFslahRDRC5RhKLtf8DOVsAl66RoghTcD2hTles4xTJkYdkJZIWoNYlVKZeKboa8uireD99Nq0OqeGGpj2j2KVMjZWaHJopUtx-2BUQ-3D-3D\/7-tR\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/DAE\/ni0YAA\/t.2x9\/xbrTvskERVCFd_wx7WBasw\/h0\/HiipufzVan83Hryn5Mh8Udjk5-2BE9Z8eh4EMTpX-2FbwK0wqXW-2BeSSyouODU-2FzDW6BtHmRM7xmfsWHyXB3uCelPsrEGknCVIUaEWrSM2dLOzF3pwWbitnseuP3z04R0OaDCtOsMAUQ2REbVesUF95hjqh2yyKcybL5iXvQORnTNB-2BrBPa4gp9S-2Byx-2BR-2FlXFaDDfNZhrpMgAREbd7pIKpUHbAeg1uEWgZLlV01YCKhMWEBiWKTy5PuFslahRDRC5RhKLtf8DOVsAl66RoghTcD2hTles4xTJkYdkJZIWoNYlVKZeKboa8uireD99Nq0OqeGGpj2j2KVMjZWaHJopUtx-2BUQ-3D-3D\/7-tR&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1575561198563000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH3crqjymt3tBqKRpnnWt2CyV1Gzw\">Please click here to RSVP to attend a Bargaining Update Town Hall<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Bargaining Update Town Halls:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Morningside: Monday, 12\/16, 1-2pm in Fairchild, room 1000.<\/li>\n<li>CUMC: Tuesday, 12\/17, 12-1pm in Physicians and Surgeons, room 16-405 (Todd Amphitheatre)<\/li>\n<li>Manhattanville: Wednesday, 12\/18, 12:30-1:30pm, in Jerome L. Greene Science Center, room L7-119<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>21st Bargaining Session Update:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We had a brief bargaining session last week in which we discussed Health and Safety, Non-discrimination and Harassment, and health benefits.<\/p>\n<p>We spent most of our time further discussing the topic of Non-Discrimination. We discussed some of the core components of our proposal to strengthen protections against bullying, discrimination and harassment. Our proposal would establish a timely grievance process, with interim protective measures during any investigation of the alleged discrimination or harassment, clear and easy access to union representation, and timely access to a neutral arbitrator if necessary. We continue to be disappointed in the administration\u2019s formal responses to our proposal, especially since most of what we have proposed is increasingly common for postdoctoral researchers at other top-tier universities, like the University of California and University of Washington. We take Columbia at their word when they say they share our commitment to a research community free of bullying, discrimination and harassment. But based on their slow-moving response so far, we will clearly have more discussion on these issues as we continue forward in bargaining and it will continue to be important for PARs to make clear how important this is as part of our overall bargaining agenda.<\/p>\n<p>The University also gave us a slightly revised proposal on Health and Safety, which we will respond to in our next session. Finally, we spent time in a subcommittee focused on our goal of improving the quality and affordability of PAR health insurance benefits.<\/p>\n<p>Our next session is on December 11.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/DAE\/ni0YAA\/t.2x9\/xbrTvskERVCFd_wx7WBasw\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgHAi3A1H16km6loy5huFvz-2Br-2BabxYbJWgmtNUqDx6ye92ax0zmHOFf7WFd7IuaJDyEqFJ2xPgFVIJkONG24JjUBt4dqXV56-2BvvPij9Y7O7XWXwAl6d-2FT-2Fv6LTYKHJnhfnsJU4X3hCbBlt7z3zLuzPjfzP5-2FjvqidGk0QWRIefj1Vrn8DHE9oWbMYCtNxxy4ilv4oZuXZRQYNPSGFlKB8xZI-3D\/rk_Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/DAE\/ni0YAA\/t.2x9\/xbrTvskERVCFd_wx7WBasw\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgHAi3A1H16km6loy5huFvz-2Br-2BabxYbJWgmtNUqDx6ye92ax0zmHOFf7WFd7IuaJDyEqFJ2xPgFVIJkONG24JjUBt4dqXV56-2BvvPij9Y7O7XWXwAl6d-2FT-2Fv6LTYKHJnhfnsJU4X3hCbBlt7z3zLuzPjfzP5-2FjvqidGk0QWRIefj1Vrn8DHE9oWbMYCtNxxy4ilv4oZuXZRQYNPSGFlKB8xZI-3D\/rk_Q&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1575561198563000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHZ6n0vsVNZNtDgXPtqTM2S4lCT8Q\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend an upcoming bargaining session<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wednesday, December 11th, 1:30-5pm, CUMC<\/li>\n<li>Thursday, December 19th, 1pm-4pm, Studebaker Building<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Nov14\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday November 14, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session late last week, our main objective was to continue emphasizing how our proposals on Leaves and Non-Discrimination aim to advance one of our main goals \u2013 to improve gender and other forms of equity and make Columbia a more inclusive research community. In addition, we had further discussions on our other proposals on Health and Safety and Appointments and Reappointments.<\/p>\n<p>Sexual harassment and lack of family-friendly policies, such as paid parental leave, create unacceptable barriers to gender equity at Columbia. As such, last week, we focused on attempting to understand Columbia\u2019s objections to our Non-Discrimination proposal so we can try to work through them. The core of our proposal aims to ensure access to a fair procedure In the cases where discrimination, harassment or bullying occur. This means ensuring protection during the investigative process and timely access to a neutral arbitrator if necessary. Interestingly, Columbia\u2019s team asked, for the first time, what we thought the problems were with their existing EOAA procedures. We explained our deep concerns and how our proposal addresses them. Furthermore, we cited that our proposal reflects improvements satisfactorily applied for tens of thousands of other unionized academic workers at other universities. Yet, Columbia&#8217;s team continued to attempt to justify the status quo. Even more interestingly, in contrast to the University&#8217;s defense, the day after our bargaining session, the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2wu\/LsXinsmwRT-0R805Tp9-Lg\/h0\/GcazfpXm0ChdRbe3O4allGvOKK-2BEeaPvr248n0hO1tNkP5V4fQ-2BIMb9jHY337dQ2-2B1XYlfQJCXIvM-2BM4C9bU1yyadmkFl-2By3eqjw85g79WIqJaR9PURx0k6lUgqTS-2BMj9n-2BQwPifQX7PDOTxn-2FaCh2-2BcMPiZso3CGMDxmkWZ5IaKMUpbrhWqagrCTn0e3r3xs03vC87j80NhBgV-2Bjim1mJ7R3ndwCl0Layzg35o4bnV-2F0P8UXmuxg5-2B3EJ8DsOxxAMW77AWz3eZiw-2Bk-2F49bBlrzOCfSq70zWL0ZI0zogOa5eJUs4J80P54X66SWiHggZ8OIN7RubcbmH-2B64aEOiySUYWhjMMBrk9SVYZnewHZHZ-2FIaeOcBBjn7-2B87CdTiT1OBh-2FRfv9ev0niTq4JCCfY2mWn4nWVGPHds0j46MIazsrRaQ4nBqsOsQgoyd0mufra7KuHEU8lnkDak-2FfncKeW3s7mpo81j3wm9quBL-2Bq-2FvkDSlXlWN6DPPt-2BRbc4fZfKBGAR9niZcQ39AwxYx49Eajxfg7av5V9geN3fgzo-2B5heNqXQJBac-2BL6VMzRdg033Um\/nrrj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2wu\/LsXinsmwRT-0R805Tp9-Lg\/h0\/GcazfpXm0ChdRbe3O4allGvOKK-2BEeaPvr248n0hO1tNkP5V4fQ-2BIMb9jHY337dQ2-2B1XYlfQJCXIvM-2BM4C9bU1yyadmkFl-2By3eqjw85g79WIqJaR9PURx0k6lUgqTS-2BMj9n-2BQwPifQX7PDOTxn-2FaCh2-2BcMPiZso3CGMDxmkWZ5IaKMUpbrhWqagrCTn0e3r3xs03vC87j80NhBgV-2Bjim1mJ7R3ndwCl0Layzg35o4bnV-2F0P8UXmuxg5-2B3EJ8DsOxxAMW77AWz3eZiw-2Bk-2F49bBlrzOCfSq70zWL0ZI0zogOa5eJUs4J80P54X66SWiHggZ8OIN7RubcbmH-2B64aEOiySUYWhjMMBrk9SVYZnewHZHZ-2FIaeOcBBjn7-2B87CdTiT1OBh-2FRfv9ev0niTq4JCCfY2mWn4nWVGPHds0j46MIazsrRaQ4nBqsOsQgoyd0mufra7KuHEU8lnkDak-2FfncKeW3s7mpo81j3wm9quBL-2Bq-2FvkDSlXlWN6DPPt-2BRbc4fZfKBGAR9niZcQ39AwxYx49Eajxfg7av5V9geN3fgzo-2B5heNqXQJBac-2BL6VMzRdg033Um\/nrrj&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1574289370730000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFhMbM4VbHWgfycVTyVuTZ77rdPrA\">Columbia Eye published a major story describing widespread dissatisfaction with the University\u2019s EOAA processes.<\/a>\u00a0Based on this conversation, we remain determined to streamline and clarify the priority points of our proposal.<\/p>\n<p>We also spent time discussing our latest Health and Safety proposal. While we have reached some common understanding about the overall importance of Health and Safety for a productive research environment, Columbia made clear during this latest session that they are somewhat out of touch with the dilapidated conditions of many of the research buildings around campus. We hope they return a more robust counter proposal on this topic next time we meet.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2wu\/LsXinsmwRT-0R805Tp9-Lg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgLh1UlZStFeB4R0XfsqXM82TRNFuc98XRFXCNeQW57z2GDWHT3-2BQ95Bqu5-2BtFeIZGFcB6vNlAnix8nmeY9t5mXGkCNtIf1XegBrMe02qFJb56fIPpEleSXpfJhYd7llNsx2v1Il8E9MEqVW2iy1e6XFznxuHc7hn2OHizeEKlp-2B-2FmfB5LabsQctEVsWMgHyobAJEU-2BYm-2B7PBMhxuAXpvZ1M-3D\/UFnV\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2wu\/LsXinsmwRT-0R805Tp9-Lg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgLh1UlZStFeB4R0XfsqXM82TRNFuc98XRFXCNeQW57z2GDWHT3-2BQ95Bqu5-2BtFeIZGFcB6vNlAnix8nmeY9t5mXGkCNtIf1XegBrMe02qFJb56fIPpEleSXpfJhYd7llNsx2v1Il8E9MEqVW2iy1e6XFznxuHc7hn2OHizeEKlp-2B-2FmfB5LabsQctEVsWMgHyobAJEU-2BYm-2B7PBMhxuAXpvZ1M-3D\/UFnV&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1574289370730000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFTNzHlOpcWoW7xh5KP7QrKQzxs2Q\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend an upcoming bargaining session<\/a>:<\/p>\n<p>Monday, November 25th, 9:30am-1pm, Studebaker Building<\/p>\n<p>Wednesday, December 11th, 1:30-5pm, CUMC<\/p>\n<p>Thursday, December 19th, 1pm-4pm, Studebaker Building<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Oct28\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday October 28, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session this week, we had further discussion on a handful of proposals, but reached no new tentative agreements. While we did have what we hope was useful dialogue on some of our proposals, it remains very clear that we still have a lot of work to do inside and outside the bargaining room in order to make progress on establishing new protections against bullying and harassment in our first contract. See below for more details about the topics covered in this session.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Non-Discrimination\u2014<\/strong>we did not exchange any new written proposals on this article, but we did have substantive discussion of our proposed protections against \u201cpower-based harassment\u201d or \u201cbullying.\u201d Columbia so far has shown little interest in including such a provision in our contract despite growing acknowledgement of the widespread nature of this problem at Columbia and in academia more generally, as well as hearing directly from researchers at Columbia about this problem. In the course of our discussion this week, the administration team objected to the particular language on bullying in our proposal. While they in no way committed to including the concept in the contract, we said we would consider alternative formulations of our language that could accomplish the same objectives in regards to this widespread problem. Given the importance of this issue, we intend to pursue every avenue to establish fair protections for researchers as part of our overall effort to make Columbia a more inclusive workplace.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Health and Safety \u2013<\/strong>\u00a0Columbia gave us a new proposal that incorporated a couple provisions we have been seeking, addressing notice requirements on asbestos projects and availability of first aid training. While we see this as progress, we still have a number of outstanding issues on this important topic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>International Researchers\u2014<\/strong>The administration\u2019s team continues to take a rigid position against many of the provisions in our proposal, focusing this week mostly on its refusal to consider language expanding researcher rights to be able to make more informed choices on visa options as the university wishes to retain the right to determine the visa of international researchers. They also believe that aspects of our proposal remains too \u201ccostly\u201d. We expect to have many more conversations on this proposal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Intellectual Property\u2014<\/strong>While Columbia acknowledged that much of our proposal is similar to the existing University policies on these issues, they unfortunately have still made no counter proposal and continue to resist the idea of including protections against retaliation for a researcher who pursues a complaint related to intellectual property or research misconduct, even though this is a common protection in a growing number of union contracts in academia.<\/p>\n<p>We also proposed a variety of bargaining dates in November and are waiting to hear back.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Oct3\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday October 3, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session with the Columbia team yesterday, we made a little bit more progress even as we continue to have many major issues to resolve. We are happy to report that we reached a tentative agreement on our Employment Files article. We had further substantive discussion and gave new proposals on Health and Safety and International Researcher Rights. We also discussed setting aside additional time to discuss our proposal to enhance paid leave options, a key component of our efforts to enhance gender equity in our contract negotiations. See below for a more extensive update.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/2AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2vk\/nNiQixTITK-Q9fv7DA0uQA\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtf-2BEjm4SvvwaE5YLkxMEG1TODAMXR2fZZ3-2FDr9vinT2b4rmSRIhSa66LVGQBAZWRDoOLTj7mEUj6wFzNtxi1pDojXmMB7SHiPfYiVC22pnt-2BJkTzztb7f2doWbOTEGP3LjmRci-2BTdAY5iAMBZNTGcTHj9S-2F6zcZqLftvgTDvq1OCZT0UrEgGFH-2B5R7g9AZQcImuF0E0xC-2FZw2A5QTd1GGevW4Z6BFV129LhCFDjpLsubwfR2GFWlDPpFtbWXot8DocCCsqfroSQWCHi2Tm-2Fp8-2Bmw7kBwGvLPH-2FLniyM8JpWDNTpRNj4EP5Wttnie0asKYG-2FZhvEOO8O1VjMMVlhlNRcV3RPKxHFrkqBzKC-2BVXBGw-3D-3D\/je9U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/2AA\/ni0YAA\/t.2vk\/nNiQixTITK-Q9fv7DA0uQA\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtf-2BEjm4SvvwaE5YLkxMEG1TODAMXR2fZZ3-2FDr9vinT2b4rmSRIhSa66LVGQBAZWRDoOLTj7mEUj6wFzNtxi1pDojXmMB7SHiPfYiVC22pnt-2BJkTzztb7f2doWbOTEGP3LjmRci-2BTdAY5iAMBZNTGcTHj9S-2F6zcZqLftvgTDvq1OCZT0UrEgGFH-2B5R7g9AZQcImuF0E0xC-2FZw2A5QTd1GGevW4Z6BFV129LhCFDjpLsubwfR2GFWlDPpFtbWXot8DocCCsqfroSQWCHi2Tm-2Fp8-2Bmw7kBwGvLPH-2FLniyM8JpWDNTpRNj4EP5Wttnie0asKYG-2FZhvEOO8O1VjMMVlhlNRcV3RPKxHFrkqBzKC-2BVXBGw-3D-3D\/je9U&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1570309198010000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE-m58n-rZL2DnpDSF3Cl1OIuEehA\">Click here if you want to join us after the Velocity ride on Sunday.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Tentative agreement on Employment Files:<\/strong> Our tentative agreement on this topic ensures confidentiality of our employment files; prompt access to our files when we request it; the right to review and copy our files; and the right to submit a response to any information we disagree with, which will be maintained as part of the file.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Health and Safety.<\/strong> We gave Columbia a new counter proposal on this topic that aimed to be responsive to some of the concerns they had raised in response to our previous proposals. While we have achieved a conceptual agreement that PARs will have enforceable health and safety protections under our contract, Columbia continues to refuse to provide more detailed language that we believe would help clarify certain aspects of those rights. We hope they bring a more responsive counter proposal to our next session.<\/p>\n<p><strong>International Researcher Rights.<\/strong> In our counter proposal on international researcher rights, we made a number of modifications based on some of our discussions last week with representatives from the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). For example, we acknowledged that some of our proposed provisions could more clearly acknowledge how federal law places certain constraints on what the University can and cannot do to enhance the rights of PARs on issues such as visa options.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More discussion on paid leaves.<\/strong> We made clear that we hope to have further discussions in coming weeks about our proposal to improve paid leave options for PARs. We see improved paid family leave in particular as a critical benefit that could make Columbia more inclusive and be a leader in enhancing gender equity in the academic workforce. Numerous studies make clear that the lack of family-friendly benefits, including paid parental and family leave, disproportionately hurt women and constitute one of the barriers to women\u2019s access to and participation in the academic workforce.<\/p>\n<p>Our next full bargaining session is on October 28. We will keep you informed of any other major development.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Sept26\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<\/div>\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday September 26, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our most recent bargaining session, we exchanged proposals on a handful of topics and had a lengthy discussion with representatives from the University\u2019s International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO). We reached no new tentative agreements. Among highlights, Columbia\u2019s team finally gave us an initial counter proposal on our International Researcher Rights article; and we presented our initial counter proposal to the University\u2019s Management and Academic Rights article. See below for more details about the session.<\/p>\n<p><strong>International Researcher Rights<\/strong>. We spent most of the session hearing from and asking questions of two representatives from the ISSO. As PARs appreciate the ISSO and all it does, we were glad to have the opportunity to ask questions about how they currently handle a variety of issues related to our proposal, such as how and why the University determines whether to apply for a H versus J (or other) visa when offering an appointment to a postdoc or ARS.<\/p>\n<p>The University\u2019s first proposal on this topic was definitely an important step in the right direction acknowledging some of the unique concerns of international PARs, but it has major flaws. While the University envisions the possibility of PARs continuing to work or be re-employed when they are prevented from re-entry to the US or otherwise have problems with work authorization status, important aspects of our proposal, their language has far too many contingencies to make these meaningful provisions at this point. Their proposal also makes no mention of several other critical topics from our proposal.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Management Rights<\/strong>. As this article is one of Columbia\u2019s central priorities, we presented an initial counter proposal that seeks to balance our desire to negotiate enforceable workplace rights and improvements with the administration\u2019s desire to maintain their academic and management rights to run the university. We expect such an article to be in our final contract, but our proposal is contingent on reaching a complete agreement as we are only willing to acknowledge their management rights once we know what OUR rights will be under our contract.<\/p>\n<p>Other proposals exchanged. We gave new counter proposals on\u00a0<strong>Employment Files, Grievance and Arbitration<\/strong>, and\u00a0<strong>Union Security<\/strong>. The University gave us a new counter proposal on\u00a0<strong>Health and Safety<\/strong>. On this last topic, while we have reached a common understanding that PARs will have broadly enforceable rights to a safe and healthy workplace, the University continues to refuse to acknowledge some of the specific examples that we would like to see enumerated in the contract language. After two subcommittee meetings on this topic, we were disappointed not to see more substantive change in their proposal. We will continue to work on this one.<\/p>\n<p>Our next session is October 3rd from 2:00-5:00pm at CUMC in Hammer LL210.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2vg\/rf66PBqsTgaq1ctu2Cnwlw\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgMbjU7fhEkj55wJOigx9s7LdrdAUTLtg77QCvp9B835td-2BYmaL-2BD4sQ70DIoXvlmcgiz6LCRV0w2z6wfV47TLy5YGtK5sE13cAa9kvd3X3tp6vQ4pMRIvaxnKiZEOZuXORduPbS5SsO9D2hkgypGpfyNqbtow2EoG8181tTrHJugus1z0pGWJrhnTUIJluUuqDMTtTESonzJvurDlYMHkfQ-3D\/WfWp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/5QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2vg\/rf66PBqsTgaq1ctu2Cnwlw\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKv6DtL7ESrvWonwYLNM50QagmkbA-2F1rvda-2FmcS-2Bb-2FOKWsby8IYZUwSbnUxtmEmAokpl51zcbrbJA61pL5WwxvgMbjU7fhEkj55wJOigx9s7LdrdAUTLtg77QCvp9B835td-2BYmaL-2BD4sQ70DIoXvlmcgiz6LCRV0w2z6wfV47TLy5YGtK5sE13cAa9kvd3X3tp6vQ4pMRIvaxnKiZEOZuXORduPbS5SsO9D2hkgypGpfyNqbtow2EoG8181tTrHJugus1z0pGWJrhnTUIJluUuqDMTtTESonzJvurDlYMHkfQ-3D\/WfWp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1569938300687000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGQfv_k9422N7KU6HwHpUDa3625Jg\">Please let us know if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Sept16\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday September 16, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We presented all of our remaining economic proposals on Monday\u2019s bargaining session. While we can make additional proposals if we need to, we have now given the administration proposals on all of the topics we have intended to cover. The proposals we made were: Titles and Classifications, Childcare, Housing, Parking and Transportation, Campus Facilities, Work-Incurred Injury or Illness, and Professional Development.<\/p>\n<p>As a whole, our complete set of economic proposals is an ambitious effort to address one of the primary concerns raised by postdocs and Associate Research Scientists throughout our campaign: that the uniquely high cost of living in NYC creates a variety of challenges that undermine PARs\u2019 ability to focus effectively on our research. We expect to have numerous discussions covering these topics in the coming months before reaching a fair agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Titles and Classifications\u00a0<\/strong>article sets out to clearly define the qualifications, roles and responsibilities of Postdoctoral Research Scientists\/Scholars\/Fellows and Associate Research Scientists\/Scholars (PARs), which we hope will help avoid any misunderstandings in the future.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Childcare<\/strong>\u00a0proposal seeks to improve upon the subsidy offered to PARs through Columbia and expand the age criteria for eligible children. We also hope to maintain the existing programs and resources offered through Columbia such as backup childcare and childcare centers.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Housing\u00a0<\/strong>article aims to address numerous challenges PARs face when they move to NYC, such as limited availability of University-owned housing, , the opaque lottery process, and high rents.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<strong>Parking and Transportation<\/strong>\u00a0article expands the transportation options for PARs. By expanding transportation subsidies, vehicle and bicycle parking options, we hope to improve upon the costly transportation issues we face in NYC.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Campus Facilities<\/strong>\u00a0article proposes that PARs have affordable access to on-campus facilities such as gym\/recreational facilities, cultural, and athletic events.<\/p>\n<p>Our\u00a0<strong>Work-Incurred Injury or Illness<\/strong>\u00a0proposal ensures that if a PAR is unable to work because of a work related injury or ailment that the University would cover any costs and maintain full compensation and benefits.<\/p>\n<p>The\u00a0<strong>Professional Development<\/strong>\u00a0article would expand resources and opportunities for PAR professional development opportunities while at Columbia. We see a clear mutual interest between us and the University to maintain and expand upon the opportunities we have to continue our training and contribute to the world class research here at Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session is September 26th from 1:00pm-5:00pm at CUMC in the lower level of Hammer, room LL110.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2v5\/AZQwjay9T3GgOAqWJBUVtA\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKVLQJGNmTyHRrXwT2RM7YinCFIDoxtrTXbrOedUG5UPR81a6tq1LHJu2p2kED-2BjqCr7N8q2MGPfT7f0oO59Hhwi45w-2Bl0IulndqEoKLcNJkIQ5kUpZdEjom3v7lAWEXcU-2FnISbW6JO-2BeGHqN4-2BaiKOhDgo2SIEDwVEWua0Mvgp76PiWfIb0iGGzkKbDtebtOnOh7-2FR8Q-2FPS8vCY1DRRiDUzRV94v2f0ODnZWZ-2Fpuz1-2Bk0usXe-2Ff61tnGw7CV6M7Ot\/k9L1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2v5\/AZQwjay9T3GgOAqWJBUVtA\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKVLQJGNmTyHRrXwT2RM7YinCFIDoxtrTXbrOedUG5UPR81a6tq1LHJu2p2kED-2BjqCr7N8q2MGPfT7f0oO59Hhwi45w-2Bl0IulndqEoKLcNJkIQ5kUpZdEjom3v7lAWEXcU-2FnISbW6JO-2BeGHqN4-2BaiKOhDgo2SIEDwVEWua0Mvgp76PiWfIb0iGGzkKbDtebtOnOh7-2FR8Q-2FPS8vCY1DRRiDUzRV94v2f0ODnZWZ-2Fpuz1-2Bk0usXe-2Ff61tnGw7CV6M7Ot\/k9L1&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1568981159372000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEasgyY2HKLO04o37aasK4ZppsGjw\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Sept5\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday September 5, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We had a short bargaining session on Thursday where we presented initial proposals on our major economic topics. We made proposals on Compensation, Health Benefits, Retirement, Relocation Benefits, Tuition Benefits, and Tax Assistance. We expect to have many discussions over these issues in coming months before reaching a fair agreement. We also expect to provide a few more outstanding proposals on our next bargaining session on September 16th.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKVLQJGNmTyHRrXwT2RM7YinCFIDoxtrTXbrOedUG5UPR81a6tq1LHJu2p2kED-2BjqCr7N8q2MGPfT7f0oO59HhwoW16qvIs-2FtmpfKv2wkURJRH27WwjeAatBunYELIs4MrQ2dpbPUOyilWwRuMCqtE0gG6iR4QoHvZjl4p8zHInrGBoE-2FQvI2-2B2poC4ddG-2BhYYmmBj5ti75wcpofelod8WSn9S9nlH1lJznsHtNxvCUHa0Rm3jXEvRF0dkkmJgpgjFmOfzlG-2FETIk0q75x6bbq3w-3D-3D\/9wrK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h0\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKVLQJGNmTyHRrXwT2RM7YinCFIDoxtrTXbrOedUG5UPR81a6tq1LHJu2p2kED-2BjqCr7N8q2MGPfT7f0oO59HhwoW16qvIs-2FtmpfKv2wkURJRH27WwjeAatBunYELIs4MrQ2dpbPUOyilWwRuMCqtE0gG6iR4QoHvZjl4p8zHInrGBoE-2FQvI2-2B2poC4ddG-2BhYYmmBj5ti75wcpofelod8WSn9S9nlH1lJznsHtNxvCUHa0Rm3jXEvRF0dkkmJgpgjFmOfzlG-2FETIk0q75x6bbq3w-3D-3D\/9wrK&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1568052390039000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE_BumfzsN5DavT3399D4i9s0Bb-g\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Throughout our campaign and in hundreds of bargaining surveys, PARs have made clear the extreme financial challenges of working and living in one of the most expensive cities in the world. These challenges not only make our lives difficult, but also undermine our ability to give our fullest attention to the research that brought us to Columbia in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>Our economic proposals as a whole aim to improve the overall standard of living for PARs and our families, strengthen our ability to focus on the research we care about, and make Columbia a more inclusive and competitive institution. For example, in recent years, Columbia has fallen behind other NYC institutions who have increased minimum Postdoc salaries significantly. When accounting for cost of living, we also believe Columbia salaries lag far behind colleagues at places like Harvard, Yale and Stanford. To remain fair and competitive, Columbia must do better.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to giving initial economic proposals, we briefly revisited the topic of Non-Discrimination. Thus far, Columbia has barely changed its position on this priority issue for PARs. Since, among other things, the administration has refused to consider protections against \u201cbullying\u201d in the contract because they question whether it is a real problem, we provided them with some of the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h1\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXbLTvTwLDBHSKRzPdWCk5dkPi0MC8GDJzthH7YQA6nF1SDFTEc00NyzYLCCYthRmbnNz6k8ujZw4hWoMCgPDgXbEJoRt7qB-2B02oRAj-2B7REJN-2B9IUvulaqvB-2B-2FdyLjBxWKkuUsra6RW29yOdgBcUeFQ9qWHJuGrLAyjXHNF3daHop5XFMtTLWndSJrMUBPlGKvX6sJfMqgTI9d-2BtQGPIBNIGbEFcvtTrsfO9ZBnpQNpIcoyM0z7KfEH7-2BlS4BW49Z8V2rneYsIIebVEPocB55QbirESw3TAaOJzanE0EZPBEJ7N5F7BQZQh-2FMM-2BBV5s4Uejlb3-2BGyfIBhHGsbj8D9b1zzrTkfLAUl87s7c-2FG2PHhzs04QfiRPuNT3k6sX2Z44uHGllcz94BI4xMT-2BwOOysil\/iGb6\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h1\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXbLTvTwLDBHSKRzPdWCk5dkPi0MC8GDJzthH7YQA6nF1SDFTEc00NyzYLCCYthRmbnNz6k8ujZw4hWoMCgPDgXbEJoRt7qB-2B02oRAj-2B7REJN-2B9IUvulaqvB-2B-2FdyLjBxWKkuUsra6RW29yOdgBcUeFQ9qWHJuGrLAyjXHNF3daHop5XFMtTLWndSJrMUBPlGKvX6sJfMqgTI9d-2BtQGPIBNIGbEFcvtTrsfO9ZBnpQNpIcoyM0z7KfEH7-2BlS4BW49Z8V2rneYsIIebVEPocB55QbirESw3TAaOJzanE0EZPBEJ7N5F7BQZQh-2FMM-2BBV5s4Uejlb3-2BGyfIBhHGsbj8D9b1zzrTkfLAUl87s7c-2FG2PHhzs04QfiRPuNT3k6sX2Z44uHGllcz94BI4xMT-2BwOOysil\/iGb6&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1568052390039000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEoOGVG1WjrdGse9609hG0rPFlZyQ\">latest news coverage from the journal Nature<\/a>\u00a0about the growing acknowledgement of and efforts to address this problem in the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h2\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXacRomRveVd8gbXs1XghWx3lKtoLef3vBwO7cwX-2FQRv23ZWKcLyVIa07e37o2RxwBASijdwAiwR7fY9mbNAf80TsmOiTBKY7ycPUjbD64uNRZTpGwKArUIFYPhGsjS-2FMp7cnDmEVYtQ97YTT0jLYFaGpDm0qjSvk2ivjKNJU8cFJP5fzVPqjr5qOknVJsOd5vtA90pkfbvDR2g5D-2ByVU2jce-2BviLbPV-2FxoFjR7dsoH-2FIfdl0k46N078DlTr9YBrzyVluRe07nNI0itGaiEPipyaB3ogMB42Du-2BweoUTtIWTHw-3D-3D\/ZVBy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2ut\/-trU68jZRpquJhJ31loOuw\/h2\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXacRomRveVd8gbXs1XghWx3lKtoLef3vBwO7cwX-2FQRv23ZWKcLyVIa07e37o2RxwBASijdwAiwR7fY9mbNAf80TsmOiTBKY7ycPUjbD64uNRZTpGwKArUIFYPhGsjS-2FMp7cnDmEVYtQ97YTT0jLYFaGpDm0qjSvk2ivjKNJU8cFJP5fzVPqjr5qOknVJsOd5vtA90pkfbvDR2g5D-2ByVU2jce-2BviLbPV-2FxoFjR7dsoH-2FIfdl0k46N078DlTr9YBrzyVluRe07nNI0itGaiEPipyaB3ogMB42Du-2BweoUTtIWTHw-3D-3D\/ZVBy&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1568052390039000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEm71Cb5qYuu6QJ0lNh2BGLtReehg\">international research community.<\/a>\u00a0Unfortunately, Columbia\u2019s bureaucratically-oriented administrators are out of touch with what daily life can be like in a research laboratory. Rather than engage in more arguments at the table yesterday on this important topic, we chose to provide them with additional information to give them an opportunity to consider the importance of this proposal.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session September 16th at the Studebaker Building from 9:00am-1:00pm.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Aug15\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday August 15, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Thanks to the everyone who attended bargaining yesterday. Unfortunately, we had another challenging bargaining session with Columbia. We had further discussion about our concerns that the University proposal on Recognition could improperly exclude paid-direct Postdoctoral Research Fellows from coverage and rights under our contract. Our conversations on this topic have been frustrating in part because the University has repeatedly changed its position on the number of people they believe might be excluded under their proposal. Yesterday\u2019s discussion became quite intense across the table. Unfortunately, rather than continue attempting to work through our differences, Columbia\u2019s team chose to end our bargaining session one hour earlier than scheduled.<\/p>\n<p>Prior to the discussion on Recognition, we spent more time on Discipline and Discharge, Employment Files and Leaves, which we hope ends up helping us ultimately reach fair agreements on those topics. For example, on Discipline and Discharge, where both the University and the Union proposals include \u201cjust cause\u201d protections against arbitrary termination, we continued a discussion from our last session on other areas of difference in our positions. We also attempted to work through a few remaining differences around the nature and timing of researchers\u2019 right to access and be assured of the contents of their Employment Files.<\/p>\n<p>We still have more work to do on these proposals before reaching agreements and we were disappointed that the University chose to walk out on the session when it got particularly challenging as opposed to remaining committed to working through differences to reach a fair agreement.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session September 5th at the Medical Center from 1:00pm-5:00pm.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2u7\/7ZBoMmwyScKqBDy1myMINA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WxMLf8R5WA2OEPqhscVMg93pCZVij0Ttpz0lrefm-2F5ol4ef4lJUnFyiQA5hqs6OaNkS6lZdPBjYQSnIWHlTz4JZNHjsY8ieIpEa-2BlVAeExmoQ7dUx2uUzpbdvYpXBqUQkmZ-2BTb4veHo4ct8zGiSzL5BvWn3kPG0WWcCFy-2F8ZWuXZ\/Ml-P\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/CQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2u7\/7ZBoMmwyScKqBDy1myMINA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WxMLf8R5WA2OEPqhscVMg93pCZVij0Ttpz0lrefm-2F5ol4ef4lJUnFyiQA5hqs6OaNkS6lZdPBjYQSnIWHlTz4JZNHjsY8ieIpEa-2BlVAeExmoQ7dUx2uUzpbdvYpXBqUQkmZ-2BTb4veHo4ct8zGiSzL5BvWn3kPG0WWcCFy-2F8ZWuXZ\/Ml-P&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1566073361295000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH4si8JxjuUzG5Ozu53i2aayAOIpA\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"Aug8\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday August 8, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We had a frustrating bargaining session yesterday. While we hoped to come closer to and\/or reach tentative agreements on several contract articles, we made very little progress.<\/p>\n<p>We spent much of our session discussing our Intellectual Property proposal. Our proposal aims to clarify that postdocs and Associate Research Scientist (PARs) have the same rights as other full-time researchers, including faculty, as well as create clear protections against retaliation for PARs who pursue complaints involving intellectual property or scholarly misconduct. The University unfortunately has refused to make a proposal on this topic and told us today they intend to have no language in our contract at all in this area. Columbia\u2019s team attempted to argue that because this topic is related to the academic mission of the University the rights of PARs do not belong in an agreement covering employment conditions. Given the enormous contributions we make to the University\u2019s research mission,\u00a0<em>as employees<\/em>, we obviously disagree.<\/p>\n<p>We also had further discussion of our Recognition, Employment Files, and Discipline and Discharge proposals. On Recognition, the university continues to propose language that we are concerned would unnecessarily exclude people who bring their own funding to Columbia who believe would appropriately be represented by the Union. We believe we came a little closer to agreement on Employment Files, but will need to keep working on this topic. Finally, in an effort to come closer together on Discipline and Discharge, we had a lengthy discussion aimed at understanding how the university currently handles potential discipline and discharge of PARs. We expect to have many more conversations on this article in coming sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Frustrating sessions like yesterday show that to achieve a fair contract we will need to demonstrate to the University that we are valuable members of the research community and we deserve fair and equitable working conditions in our contract.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session August 15th at the Medical Center from 9:00am-1:00pm.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2u0\/BUQaUTP8Qe2eu3-hcwTtZA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1Wwp-2FKJuIzLFddIrXkS8itSlBZriMsBnbbhoZF9j7-2FquDPWgs42A3z-2B5BS8XEB6fP7CGRSgLftXAkjaLaXgJ7-2BbjdKXD6L6XbQ4dRMMU8lVDQIFkL2mCWrgWV5KAV9esFQICMgNA7m3Uj-2FWb2ydn8maRy3ACj0QKc0iquvIu6nhcA\/2tZ8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/BwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2u0\/BUQaUTP8Qe2eu3-hcwTtZA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1Wwp-2FKJuIzLFddIrXkS8itSlBZriMsBnbbhoZF9j7-2FquDPWgs42A3z-2B5BS8XEB6fP7CGRSgLftXAkjaLaXgJ7-2BbjdKXD6L6XbQ4dRMMU8lVDQIFkL2mCWrgWV5KAV9esFQICMgNA7m3Uj-2FWb2ydn8maRy3ACj0QKc0iquvIu6nhcA\/2tZ8&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1565467967905000&amp;usg=AFQjCNES9hqBW6MoRnvQbndbYndV4u1grw\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n<\/div>\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"July29\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday July 29, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We had a short bargaining session yesterday, as well as a separate Health and Safety-focused bargaining subcommittee meeting at the end of last week. We are happy to report that we reached another tentative agreement yesterday on an article establishing fair workload protections. We spent most of our time yesterday discussing our proposals on Recognition, Employment Files, and Discipline and Discharge. While we did not reach agreement on those articles, or on our Health and Safety proposal, we believe we had constructive dialogue that will help us move forward. See below for a summary of these sessions.<\/p>\n<p>Tentative agreement on Workload\u2014We believe we reached agreement on a fair contract provision that establishes protections and an avenue of recourse against cases of abusive, arbitrary or unreasonable workload assigned by a supervisor, while also respecting the right of individual PARs to work as many hours on our projects as we choose.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Recognition<\/strong>\u2014We are still working out some details on language. We want to make clear that the Union represents all the employees that were intended to be represented by our Union in the NLRB case and avoid any language that could open the door for some workers being inappropriately excluded. We hope to reach tentative agreement on this article soon.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Employment Files<\/strong>\u2014While we have moved much closer to agreement on this article, the university still refuses to ensure the right for PARs to comment on information we believe is inaccurate in our employment files. This is a common provision in other postdoc union contracts.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Discipline and Discharge<\/strong>\u2014While Columbia has agreed to the \u201cjust cause\u201d standard, an important protection against arbitrary termination of position, we still have a number of differences in how to implement that standard most effectively under our contract.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Health and Safety<\/strong>\u2014A subset of our respective bargaining committees met for a couple hours on Friday to discuss our Health and Safety proposals. We got to meet face-to-face with leadership of the University\u2019s Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) office, learn about existing procedures at the university, hear their reactions to our initial bargaining proposal, and discuss possible ways to move toward agreement. We felt it was a productive meeting overall that will inform our next proposal to ensure that all PARs work in a safe, healthy environment and receive the training and equipment necessary to do so.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session August 8th in the Studebaker Building from 9:00am-1:00pm.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/2QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2tr\/c3qwZuVUR2qvygywnsC0LA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WwrYJBJAOWC2aRg-2BJYE0cqCRCHl-2Ff-2Bx-2BwckMvBTuwXegMbNhcaoyJOV7dNGy7qdvVapRJ-2Bm9HyaOOVBemZKnSzrV2zwRo4SHaIP2-2Btmbb-2BzJvBt6LeerRNOrANvKwjuhBwPIRyGokX2Uvvp8-2B-2BM5a5ZE6SYLE5tVq6QO5tE-2B1LLz\/9C8a\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/2QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2tr\/c3qwZuVUR2qvygywnsC0LA\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYGwWwgfnUkgyCNUW0bShafhPmb-2FsAZm7TC4g87d-2F4e7EyDmsv4M2ymoNbiuUvxR1WwrYJBJAOWC2aRg-2BJYE0cqCRCHl-2Ff-2Bx-2BwckMvBTuwXegMbNhcaoyJOV7dNGy7qdvVapRJ-2Bm9HyaOOVBemZKnSzrV2zwRo4SHaIP2-2Btmbb-2BzJvBt6LeerRNOrANvKwjuhBwPIRyGokX2Uvvp8-2B-2BM5a5ZE6SYLE5tVq6QO5tE-2B1LLz\/9C8a&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1564618522218000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHgzjHPXVfdnjghHmJ92A1HZIIN5w\">Please RSVP if you would like to attend a bargaining session.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<div>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/div>\n<div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"July25\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday July 25, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtHnYeMewUr4KLnVxp36EPAvW5Qu7yTxTDIgZuCOwiuqX9mWACpvgEXJyQIWMuwTeWMU-2BWAJMbZJokjLRHgclo-2Fh-2FcTp-2F-2FSn6u2JMKa-2Bgns5Ip2zIfkfH2mHsw5b6CKEwrL2IcYTL1-2BFOXKGGrsU6kxXXCDeIj7Kaeo9zxW-2Bd9oc23pIbMPtu2RFKnDod1GTTHLaj-2FIIigUiSe1nzqmBak0GxxJmcVzZ-2FlOxGTY7fsNxdtkCtPSUjREjglCJATgHykE4s-2BxEYqmA-2F2AsX2RYazu2JcP9EetvE7tzAa-2Fqv1hFO8z8S-2BDfbBTuVg-2FCx-2FgLw9HlBhLIdsUn6MoGrakeKkPmXE-2B5qe4n-2Fw1eN0XHBMI72qwcBgOGGWT2neD5ym-2BPMJ7-2B54spmufgvtmFbLNyocI\/v3am\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h1\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtHnYeMewUr4KLnVxp36EPAvW5Qu7yTxTDIgZuCOwiuqX9mWACpvgEXJyQIWMuwTeWMU-2BWAJMbZJokjLRHgclo-2Fh-2FcTp-2F-2FSn6u2JMKa-2Bgns5Ip2zIfkfH2mHsw5b6CKEwrL2IcYTL1-2BFOXKGGrsU6kxXXCDeIj7Kaeo9zxW-2Bd9oc23pIbMPtu2RFKnDod1GTTHLaj-2FIIigUiSe1nzqmBak0GxxJmcVzZ-2FlOxGTY7fsNxdtkCtPSUjREjglCJATgHykE4s-2BxEYqmA-2F2AsX2RYazu2JcP9EetvE7tzAa-2Fqv1hFO8z8S-2BDfbBTuVg-2FCx-2FgLw9HlBhLIdsUn6MoGrakeKkPmXE-2B5qe4n-2Fw1eN0XHBMI72qwcBgOGGWT2neD5ym-2BPMJ7-2B54spmufgvtmFbLNyocI\/v3am&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1564493504872000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFCmEDl4emI7Kwgrb7oXS6wWhDqUQ\">Click here if you would like to share your experience with us on why having stronger protections against bullying and harassment will help make Columbia a more inclusive research community.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session Thursday, we spent most of our time discussing Columbia\u2019s resistance to including protections against bullying in our contract. We also passed updated proposals on Recognition, Non-Discrimination and Grievance and Arbitration and the university\u2019s team gave updated proposals on Leaves and Employment Files.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bullying: CU says bullying protections would restrict P.I.s\u2019 ability to mentor good researchers<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The discussion regarding bullying was particularly frustrating. Even though members of their own bargaining team &#8212; as well as a growing number of observers of academic science, including\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h2\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXacRomRveVd8gbXs1XghWx3lKtoLef3vBwO7cwX-2FQRv23ZWKcLyVIa07e37o2RxwBASijdwAiwR7fY9mbNAf80TsmOiTBKY7ycPUjbD64uNRcyWWZRCycLsqWG-2Fh84NT9U2YZcBMrBYjVcmQUxAfbyvjtZq09YbTXevXF1aJkhy-2FH2HVCmF4ckWMt-2F9BLvNdiMsxv7K9vBHmH-2FLi17II8fxyhaDR9RFMW7-2FH3lCOSkH7x-2FqMdzLedYVCytiV9SqN4Z0egCwRNCBNai-2FfZfg37JRDHDcPdX6MJOLzEYPkN3kBbGooZhnb-2F61TsuqljqICHQ-3D\/_sCG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h2\/JGhba-2FOGY-2BmD7F357tUFeknFPYDdy7e9ssEgk0cVRXacRomRveVd8gbXs1XghWx3lKtoLef3vBwO7cwX-2FQRv23ZWKcLyVIa07e37o2RxwBASijdwAiwR7fY9mbNAf80TsmOiTBKY7ycPUjbD64uNRcyWWZRCycLsqWG-2Fh84NT9U2YZcBMrBYjVcmQUxAfbyvjtZq09YbTXevXF1aJkhy-2FH2HVCmF4ckWMt-2F9BLvNdiMsxv7K9vBHmH-2FLi17II8fxyhaDR9RFMW7-2FH3lCOSkH7x-2FqMdzLedYVCytiV9SqN4Z0egCwRNCBNai-2FfZfg37JRDHDcPdX6MJOLzEYPkN3kBbGooZhnb-2F61TsuqljqICHQ-3D\/_sCG&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1564493504872000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF6PaIe_FyR6fmJGELUPS6G_rK89A\">Nature magazine<\/a>\u00a0&#8212; acknowledge bullying as a problem, Columbia so far is refusing to put language in our contract establishing protections against such destructive behavior. While we believe our proposed protections against \u201cPower-Based Harassment\u201d would enhance our ability to engage in quality research, the University team actually said on Thursday that such protections would put unreasonable restrictions on a PI\u2019s ability to effectively mentor Postdocs and Associate Researchers and would thus undermine research.<\/p>\n<p>The university team claimed that it would be impossible to clearly define bullying in the contract and that the lack of clarity would lead PIs to refrain from mentoring out of fear that PARs would abuse our ability to construe interactions with our PIs as \u201cbullying.\u201d While we would be happy to consider alternative definitions from the University, we find their outright rejection of our proposal thus far totally unacceptable &#8212; citing unsubstantiated and unreasonable claims that our proposal would hinder or inconvenience supervisors is not a legitimate reason to reject protections against the widely acknowledged problem of bullying in the academic workplace.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h3\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtHnYeMewUr4KLnVxp36EPAvW5Qu7yTxTDIgZuCOwiuqX9mWACpvgEXJyQIWMuwTeWMU-2BWAJMbZJokjLRHgclo-2Fh-2FcTp-2F-2FSn6u2JMKa-2Bgns5BbX4H0ulghisZcMxY5-2FriP1B3aWTWKMu51WmOxSnxw3WlNUK-2FlPVgLLkmo5tw06kIakH47vaTlICIV5SdC2I9BJR9fx-2BdPcnoFK53VNXkmFU44fSbU-2BiV5Yk4uFBAZGYF-2FudlmUEV3X0-2Bpe9SKhcIXaN-2BicCO1L8BUrqlPQJGuwRFtRK612x-2BD82hKuFV-2FLFJoGELo1GpSZ07xMNzEsA3d0NWmYRt913n2SMId9triBX4M3sAJh4tGJreSKFt8OFpiJdgHk2xrJuanexz5Vm-2FJ8RxJpPGTi-2F8dQf0CEri09\/5gCL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h3\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhtHnYeMewUr4KLnVxp36EPAvW5Qu7yTxTDIgZuCOwiuqX9mWACpvgEXJyQIWMuwTeWMU-2BWAJMbZJokjLRHgclo-2Fh-2FcTp-2F-2FSn6u2JMKa-2Bgns5BbX4H0ulghisZcMxY5-2FriP1B3aWTWKMu51WmOxSnxw3WlNUK-2FlPVgLLkmo5tw06kIakH47vaTlICIV5SdC2I9BJR9fx-2BdPcnoFK53VNXkmFU44fSbU-2BiV5Yk4uFBAZGYF-2FudlmUEV3X0-2Bpe9SKhcIXaN-2BicCO1L8BUrqlPQJGuwRFtRK612x-2BD82hKuFV-2FLFJoGELo1GpSZ07xMNzEsA3d0NWmYRt913n2SMId9triBX4M3sAJh4tGJreSKFt8OFpiJdgHk2xrJuanexz5Vm-2FJ8RxJpPGTi-2F8dQf0CEri09\/5gCL&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1564493504872000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH5LNmYJ7zkewKlEmZYTi7EK9IZjg\">Please let us know how you think protections against bullying and other forms of harassment can help make Columbia a more inclusive research institution.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Continuing to move forward on other Proposals:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In other activity in our session, we passed an updated proposal on Recognition, attempting to clarify our mutual understanding that the small number of individuals who do research at Columbia, but who are in fact fully compensated and receive benefits from another employer (e.g. Howard Hughes Medical Institute) would not be part of our bargaining unit.<\/p>\n<p>In response to concerns raised by the University, we also modified our Grievance and Arbitration article to define a grievance as a violation of the contract or other adverse action against any postdoc or Associate Research Scientist (PAR).<\/p>\n<p>The university\u2019s team gave us a few counter proposals as well, including updated versions of Employment Files and Leaves. While we believe we have moved closer to agreement on Employment Files, we have a long way to go to on paid leaves of absence. While they have agreed to outline the existing policies in the contract, which would make them clearer and more enforceable, Columbia\u2019s team continues to refuse to offer any material improvement to critical aspects of leave. For example, they refuse to agree to improved paid parental leave, which remains one of the large institutional barriers to women and parents\u2019 ability to advance in academia.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBK6Lj1KXAGB2T2uxweX-2F4s44gaUT-2F-2BIJAPIFBe3MRUKJ8h2mAH0YWKZ9Mt5R3mXtef0gDWSeg2ykSBWC0IOSFWAS8PbA5WmJnEHXsLGHNIzXCP3T1OKPXdI42hZX1cbT7oub61gnYeZJZozbByCFw3eF7FJFmRlm96e5IXY8tp0V6JPxUdOmBsNWXLUXat5esHi8BGDpvn2zuusnibPJwdk96XWtyiyAM6HjxOaoMtv02Zyvdm8YmYLd3TtlelKYPX2f0sOPsD1JSX9x9iiL1gHN4-2FHx-2FHulyOblAjeWAYQ2Y-3D\/4Y5Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/JQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tn\/bdakPbrKTaW2QfohM2J7eg\/h4\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBK6Lj1KXAGB2T2uxweX-2F4s44gaUT-2F-2BIJAPIFBe3MRUKJ8h2mAH0YWKZ9Mt5R3mXtef0gDWSeg2ykSBWC0IOSFWAS8PbA5WmJnEHXsLGHNIzXCP3T1OKPXdI42hZX1cbT7oub61gnYeZJZozbByCFw3eF7FJFmRlm96e5IXY8tp0V6JPxUdOmBsNWXLUXat5esHi8BGDpvn2zuusnibPJwdk96XWtyiyAM6HjxOaoMtv02Zyvdm8YmYLd3TtlelKYPX2f0sOPsD1JSX9x9iiL1gHN4-2FHx-2FHulyOblAjeWAYQ2Y-3D\/4Y5Q&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1564493504872000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFMzM2JRxPP9eaSPeQiocSKxHEI-g\">We are bargaining again this Monday 7\/29 from 2:00-5:00pm in Studebaker 469. If you would like to join us please RSVP here.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]\n[vc_column_text]<a name=\"July18\"><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday July 18, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Yesterday, we had an eventful bargaining session with some progress and many updates. We are happy to report that we reached tentative agreement on three more contract articles (Training, Travel, and Workspace and Materials). The administration team also made its first significant \u2014 though still totally inadequate \u2014 change to its proposal on Non-Discrimination, showing they are at least trying to acknowledge the central importance of this issue to researchers at Columbia. In the most insulting development, the University team gave us a virtually meaningless compensation proposal that simply codifies the existing minimum salaries that leave us far behind the high cost of living and our colleagues at a growing number of competitor institutions in New York City. See further details below.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Making some progress with three more tentative agreements<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>First, the good news\u2013we reached tentative agreement on three more contract articles: Training and Orientation; Travel; and Workspace and Materials.<\/p>\n<p>The Training article ensures that, for any required or approved training or orientation, the University will pay any associated fees and will consider participation to be part of our regular work time. The Travel article ensures that PARs will receive advances or \u201ctimely reimbursement\u201d for required work-related travel expenses\u2013we believe having this provision in our contract will improve our ability to address delays in reimbursements under current practice. Lastly, the Workspace and Materials article commits the university to provide access to \u201cfacilities, equipment, materials, and access to the Internet and other network resources\u201d necessary to do our work\u2013a proposal that Columbia initially said it would refuse to include in our contract.<\/p>\n<p>While we have many larger outstanding disputes, we are encouraged by our ability to reach agreement on some of the more basic contract provisions that enhance the rights of PARs in ways that are compatible with advancing the mission of the University.<\/p>\n<p><b>A significant, but still totally inadequate, Columbia proposal on Non-Discrimination.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>Nearly five months after our initial proposal, Columbia finally made a proposal that acknowledges the right of PARs to take a grievance on sexual harassment or discrimination to a neutral arbitrator. However, while we appreciate this important step in establishing rights to fair recourse, Columbia\u2019s proposal remains mostly inadequate.<\/p>\n<p>For example, their proposal would require a PAR to process a complaint through existing University non-discrimination procedures before initiating the union grievance process. This could lead to significant and totally unacceptable delays before a PAR could get a fair hearing from a neutral arbitrator because Columbia\u2019s existing investigation procedures have no real deadlines. Columbia also continues to reject many of the other significant components of our proposal, such as protection against bullying, guaranteed interim measures to protect survivors from further harassment or discrimination during investigation of a grievance, and agreement to work jointly with the Union to improve training aimed at preventing bullying, harassment and discrimination. After a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/EwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tf\/3M7czqQrT9-o048DgQMAZw\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnq8GwgXqEEcqLAEc6189Vqmd8smwYZR5ov08dkBHynDvN1hLn-2BgZJLGW-2BrZnk3v3oGu3agxdAGbkJjlFlcfcTYvGgv3JsFnm90Xtwb2P-2B6h4ToGnYMNfDJ7RykaG4qEXI-2BriU-2Bwkj1hFYsCHelbzaW6xXED2J0g8jetsae2GRgiePstGLSknoTQMT6H1IHQRGwXba4F5jxuSUL8MZ3NV0PhMRRh1iBznkLPPlm0rwB0-2FibQ4AR-2F-2Fy9n2CEESeq-2BLNpBGlt4TLH7KxNKdJFBSRs\/8Rrp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/EwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tf\/3M7czqQrT9-o048DgQMAZw\/h1\/YX3fS3QaUafOsZwYkUfTCDlbBSlyNeRjYtz8Yo7HROnq8GwgXqEEcqLAEc6189Vqmd8smwYZR5ov08dkBHynDvN1hLn-2BgZJLGW-2BrZnk3v3oGu3agxdAGbkJjlFlcfcTYvGgv3JsFnm90Xtwb2P-2B6h4ToGnYMNfDJ7RykaG4qEXI-2BriU-2Bwkj1hFYsCHelbzaW6xXED2J0g8jetsae2GRgiePstGLSknoTQMT6H1IHQRGwXba4F5jxuSUL8MZ3NV0PhMRRh1iBznkLPPlm0rwB0-2FibQ4AR-2F-2Fy9n2CEESeq-2BLNpBGlt4TLH7KxNKdJFBSRs\/8Rrp&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1563650001568000&amp;usg=AFQjCNH6fTrASu8mOzvqLWPsO_pZJhfDKA\">majority of PARs signed an open letter to Columbia\u00a0<\/a>demanding fair recourse, we are encouraged that Columbia has made a small improvement in its position, but we have a long way to go in order to reach agreement on this important topic.<\/p>\n<p><strong>A Compensation Proposal that would codify Columbia\u2019s competitive disadvantage<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Finally, Columbia\u2019s team gave us an initial proposal on Compensation that simply reiterates the current University minimum salary rates for Postdoctoral Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and Associate Research Scientists. Frankly, we are not even sure why the University gave us this proposal, as it offers no improvement to the status quo. As a majority of PARs have made clear throughout our campaign and in our bargaining surveys, Columbia needs to do significantly better when it comes to compensating us fairly for the world-class research we do at this University. Columbia\u2019s minimum salaries lag significantly behind a growing number of New York City institutions that now pay Postdocs a minimum salary over $58,000. We know Columbia can do much better, and needs to do much better in order for us to work together to maintain our status as a magnet for attracting the best researchers from across the world.<\/p>\n<p>We have several sessions coming up.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/EwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tf\/3M7czqQrT9-o048DgQMAZw\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYB0fFYxitSWPCM6uCTQvy5XcEPAXNBx-2F3qXIWdvKaNGLRsn2T2TJFeDrhwblUJoAmbirMbO7OEvaWa8AP2HppHzWYcgooqiAQ0Aiisvvsy03l-2BL5DDRzbvHx-2BCbXLfxXc2Ui5B090MEfD4u8Q45kLA-2BuX7fw1vC-2FRaqyrLp8dIhTyMSHTtLhTtlnzL8CdA64jOMpTbrdXII2nXySw-2FX44qw-3D\/Qipn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mps2\/c\/EwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2tf\/3M7czqQrT9-o048DgQMAZw\/h2\/cidj-2Bve7daPPm09dFhiTNfrtilLmtSmGj4Ae5AqFIhuR3nWoReyPkml0H5X-2Fm73ZIJxVZCHq1zfkUp6SgymOKuBHE0j05JhsDFeyp9a8AOvMu2w8vVlnqKxpVlPdEnBKXE2XHnzV9ZOgPtIORNEPYB0fFYxitSWPCM6uCTQvy5XcEPAXNBx-2F3qXIWdvKaNGLRsn2T2TJFeDrhwblUJoAmbirMbO7OEvaWa8AP2HppHzWYcgooqiAQ0Aiisvvsy03l-2BL5DDRzbvHx-2BCbXLfxXc2Ui5B090MEfD4u8Q45kLA-2BuX7fw1vC-2FRaqyrLp8dIhTyMSHTtLhTtlnzL8CdA64jOMpTbrdXII2nXySw-2FX44qw-3D\/Qipn&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1563650001568000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFY_Fst4HLSZcTkgSk2rns8eB9z4A\">If you would like to attend a session please RSVP<\/a>\u00a0to let us know in advance, as the locations are subject to change. Many PARs have attended bargaining sessions and found them illuminating to understand the process and the challenges we have ahead in order to win a fair first contract at Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>Upcoming Sessions:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">July 25th, 9am-1pm<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">July 29th, 2pm-5 pm<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">August 8th, 9am-1pm<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\">August 15th, 9am-1pm<\/p>\n<div>Best,<\/div>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"June19\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Wednesday June 19, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our latest bargaining session this week, another postdoc gave compelling testimonial about bullying, discrimination and harassment, we had constructive discussion on many of our outstanding proposals, and reached a tentative agreement on another contract article (Union-Management Committee).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h0\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwleffrkV8N7VZrD-2BNSrneLgkLw3EfLtmKGWN1w-2BVfi7ZhETbusypqYPSNFc8m2-2FNnPdS6TAL0YTBmFM52LMHa9fgmeRw0DcflBLf237TEaDtLBZhDSg8-2F8wkoBH6eGluANS-2Fo-2BRlzrsOSvWcjEtL3jTRnwOrHwD3pfFSDRIm-2B-2Fz9ujc-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h0\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwleffrkV8N7VZrD-2BNSrneLgkLw3EfLtmKGWN1w-2BVfi7ZhETbusypqYPSNFc8m2-2FNnPdS6TAL0YTBmFM52LMHa9fgmeRw0DcflBLf237TEaDtLBZhDSg8-2F8wkoBH6eGluANS-2Fo-2BRlzrsOSvWcjEtL3jTRnwOrHwD3pfFSDRIm-2B-2Fz9ujc-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1561237811540000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHacNqb-_OFef-Vu6iiT9h9M-DGIQ\">RSVP for an upcoming union Town Hal<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h1\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwlefLmE4CLeAWsyNohPhXBr8DK0SOClG4HIfC6nnwXdXG1AC4H0E0a-2F3GENFfcwxqalW5qznyw3BU-2BIk40ed2O-2FjLFvJ2OUg24b5Yw5ruTTpwnkT-2Fz2xiSaie99RPFtCGHQJFYCXZS0wvPeEz7w6mpPYl5iYhBW2vsdkcxtgDiGq0R4-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h1\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwlefLmE4CLeAWsyNohPhXBr8DK0SOClG4HIfC6nnwXdXG1AC4H0E0a-2F3GENFfcwxqalW5qznyw3BU-2BIk40ed2O-2FjLFvJ2OUg24b5Yw5ruTTpwnkT-2Fz2xiSaie99RPFtCGHQJFYCXZS0wvPeEz7w6mpPYl5iYhBW2vsdkcxtgDiGq0R4-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1561237811540000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHO_dMGy2Lsr1TjfI1Oypa0ERKHIA\">l the week of July 2nd-5th to hear an update about bargaining, ask questions and learn how to get more involved. \u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<p>We started with a testimonial from one of our postdoc colleagues about the impact and challenges of working in a hostile and disruptive lab environment at Columbia. The postdoc \u00a0discussed how his P.I. had engaged in extensive bullying, manipulation, and intimidation of lab members. He described how the P.I. responded when one member of the lab filed a Title IX complaint against another lab member. The P.I. reacted with hostility toward the complainant and decided a few months later not to renew the complainant\u2019s contract. The P.I.\u2019s actions ultimately led several researchers to leave the group.<\/p>\n<p>The postdoc reached out to various University offices about the abusive behaviors he had observed. Other than assurance that the situation would be investigated, the member was given no remedy. Ultimately, he found a position in another laboratory on his own. He closed his testimony by arguing for the importance of a neutral grievance procedure and clear definition of power-based harassment (i.e. bullying) in order to make it easier for researchers to raise and address these situations in a fair process with representation and advocacy from the Union.<\/p>\n<p>After our colleague\u2019s testimony, we signed a tentative agreement on an article establishing a Union-Management Committee that would ensure the Union and Columbia meet at least quarterly to discuss any issues that arise during the life of our contract. We then had further discussion and believe we came a little closer to reaching an agreement on our proposals regarding Training and Orientation, Travel, Work space and Materials, and Employment Files.<\/p>\n<p>We also had more substantive discussion of our Vacation, Holidays and Leaves proposals. We continue to have the greatest differences around our proposal to expand PARs\u2019 right to paid parental, family medical and other leaves of absence. Columbia made it very clear that they believe the status quo is more than sufficient and had no interest in changing the current leaves benefits. While we believe our proposals would make the university more inclusive and enable recruitment and retention of the best researchers regardless of background or family status, Columbia\u2019s team so far has rigidly rejected any change to the status quo in this area. \u00a0We expect to continue to discuss this important issue in future sessions.<\/p>\n<p>We finished the bargaining session with a brief discussion of our Non-discrimination and Harassment proposal and our proposal to clarify \u201cjust cause\u201d protections against arbitrary termination. It is clear that the numerous testimonials in bargaining and the open letter signed by a majority of PARs calling for real recourse has pressured Columbia at least start listening to our concerns on discrimination and harassment.<\/p>\n<p>It is clear that it will take continued engagement and hard work from PARs all across campus to reach a fair agreement with Columbia.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h2\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwlefKHSRJTyEvhLr-2FruwPsVYt3YxOTCy6In99NYV6Y7xW-2BwIscHY-2FT-2F5pKQAoE0m2GxmcqWbFFZDCQUNPjUSwOxkCJ75aofEdthofC4dpMdZ5qfwdumXb-2F3qsCh0DVlG0aa0rhYFC8e-2Blt5EfCW0zYG5Ig-2FHnWVMXXjnng3zWy0-2FsxI-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2sn\/q09ZhYP4T4y66zRM1X9uWQ\/h2\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzMJVDyGCE-2BEyC0PV5QuMCogbt8d9GGtoyF5a2hn-2FdMU-2B3NCDTyb1R5XGkfquUKdJv1kGB7frMHmN3X-2F71-2BTbR87eLGNxxDn8-2FnloR1H3nRC0xTb5N9mespVbhDkGDtpmXpq5hGZwvmFtWeWuNmg8qHa77W80j-2FIbJJLNm9-2FaRvu3mrRr7NoNMjK4p9Xc-2FBu5IhmR2WAMj0Twy0ydR-2FQ4Qc9bwa0emdoG1r93DoMbKkMuCWZZgWZRd-2BvTc81CXw5HT3NF8vh0ypn24W2A1pVGLnh2F4cRdtCv8duoz9ly7voBu9qLbazOtBPVjlPWmWyRiQS4j-2FS-2FtcDwHQqQLexwlefKHSRJTyEvhLr-2FruwPsVYt3YxOTCy6In99NYV6Y7xW-2BwIscHY-2FT-2F5pKQAoE0m2GxmcqWbFFZDCQUNPjUSwOxkCJ75aofEdthofC4dpMdZ5qfwdumXb-2F3qsCh0DVlG0aa0rhYFC8e-2Blt5EfCW0zYG5Ig-2FHnWVMXXjnng3zWy0-2FsxI-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1561237811540000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHBh0NMJu7grMPw_tJ91QKnVBvvEA\">Please RSVP for our Bargaining Update Town Halls\u00a0<\/a>to ask questions, hear an update about the progress we have made in bargaining and next steps on how to win a strong contract in bargaining with Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"June10\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday June 10, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Thanks to all our colleagues who joined us at our lively bargaining session with Columbia on Monday. \u00a0We spent most of this week\u2019s session addressing Columbia\u2019s concerns about our proposal for stronger protections against bullying, discrimination, and harassment, as well as explaining how short, insecure appointments and inefficient reappointment procedures can disrupt our ability to focus on our research. \u00a0We exchanged a number of other proposals as well. See below for more details.<\/p>\n<p>We began our session with one of our international researcher colleagues vividly describing the (unfortunately not uncommon) experience of working without pay due to Columbia\u2019s bureaucratic delays in processing appointments. In this individual\u2019s case, he arrived, along with his pregnant wife, to start work and had to pay rent and thousands of dollars in prenatal health care costs out-of-pocket for the first few months while receiving no income from Columbia. He further described the cost, stress, and disruption to his research caused by Columbia\u2019s insistence on short-term appointments, requiring him to return to his home country annually to renew his visa and ensure that his wife was able to work. \u00a0We hope that his story helped show Columbia that our proposals for longer appointments and flexibility on visa sponsorship would help us focus on research and make Columbia a more family-friendly and inclusive community of scholars.<\/p>\n<p>After our colleague\u2019s testimony, we had a lengthy discussion around our Non-Discrimination and Harassment proposal. Unfortunately, rather than engage in substantive discussion of the main principles behind our proposal, Columbia argued that we had either not read or not understood Columbia\u2019s current policies on harassment, that PARs do not experience difficulties under the current system, that the option of a neutral third-party is unnecessary, and that Columbia is already \u201ca national leader\u201d in addressing sexual harassment &#8211; in spite of numerous high-profile cases of misconduct and the fact that strengthening current policies was one of the many reasons a majority of PARs voted for a union.<\/p>\n<p>After hearing their objections, we made clear that stronger protections against discrimination and harassment was a major reason we formed a union and that we intend to continue this discussion until we reach an agreement on fair protections. We felt even more strongly about our proposal having just seen how contractual protections, support, and advocacy from her union helped UCLA postdoc Sandra Koch\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/HgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2sf\/2A01-zynRk2Nr1rId6BW-Q\/h0\/HE2UYZIDTZxfLuJ8qHDFiPTxeYp7aFAyzE-2FTvxzGCcEv70YzBmtnTWuVefHYGjrm-2FdYI09l3jFYtKsjFmhJg6wZg704I0JGGA-2BSs8T9K8-2FJxgAcfLqd9aCZGJQSxeVyjvgG620KeQS2B4B2pzW-2Bir-2B1CV8kAQllXZkJf3enYDmEGVv1dRSpyDbP98kSXEiXWRJ7MzsXRMW207Et4nGemQFIkywCzeyphbD-2BYknB4XLNxTWksMajfTIAAMZr9e-2BcPOtmDf6TVQwhWXE0seukojOTAmdeXu5L5rHlkahAPI-2FR074BnRUk8ZE-2BA-2F9vUfwby\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/HgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2sf\/2A01-zynRk2Nr1rId6BW-Q\/h0\/HE2UYZIDTZxfLuJ8qHDFiPTxeYp7aFAyzE-2FTvxzGCcEv70YzBmtnTWuVefHYGjrm-2FdYI09l3jFYtKsjFmhJg6wZg704I0JGGA-2BSs8T9K8-2FJxgAcfLqd9aCZGJQSxeVyjvgG620KeQS2B4B2pzW-2Bir-2B1CV8kAQllXZkJf3enYDmEGVv1dRSpyDbP98kSXEiXWRJ7MzsXRMW207Et4nGemQFIkywCzeyphbD-2BYknB4XLNxTWksMajfTIAAMZr9e-2BcPOtmDf6TVQwhWXE0seukojOTAmdeXu5L5rHlkahAPI-2FR074BnRUk8ZE-2BA-2F9vUfwby&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1560499440068000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEhsAvhg0CAxmFA4DhcJRCbd_B4_w\">win her job back last week by pursuing a union grievance against pregnancy discrimination.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Next, we passed Columbia five updated counter-proposals on: Appointments and Reappointments, Training, Travel, Union-Management Committee, and Workspace and Materials. While their team continued to argue against longer appointment lengths, they acknowledged that there are issues related to reappointment and visa renewal that should be addressed. We also made a lot of progress on our Union-Management Committee proposal, which would establish a joint committee to help enforce the contract, and we expect to reach a tentative agreement on this at our next session. This is good news, and demonstrates that we are continuing to move forwards while identifying the areas on which we are still farther apart.<\/p>\n<p>The University also passed us their first proposal on the subject of Discipline and Discharge, which included \u201cjust cause\u201d protection against termination. \u00a0While we have a number of other issues to work out in that article of the contract, it is an important step forward that Columbia agreed to include \u201cjust cause\u201d as it protects researchers against arbitrary, unfair termination by a supervisor.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, in the words of one postdoc who attended the bargaining session, it seemed as if Columbia\u2019s team was not \u201cfeeling enough pressure\u201d on the issues we discussed. While logical arguments and data are important aspects of the process, it was clear at this session that winning real recourse and protection against bullying, discrimination, and harassment, and more stable policies for international workers, will take the continued participation and action of postdocs and Associate Research Scientists across the university. Our next bargaining session will take place on June 20th.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/HgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2sf\/2A01-zynRk2Nr1rId6BW-Q\/h1\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793Udp8SB2NvSdg2DFln0ozKR1A1IC2UNzX2hV0r7yyHurrwhyR0PRAgNeQzxnX8Lqjw1yRaq4ytVE-2B3IdwIOb-2FzlcJlFpMzCnKcSvujTi169ZOonJS-2Bi-2FAmC202sM-2F5TMHCSSgalnT9GNeffBtLmZCbMINAT-2Bsc2i3wNLE-2FJZwqX2kACLfD-2Fn9N8HbTepuAt9JGd2tM5eMMKY150sjTe6eUFTzml2yqfpS-2Fl5jmJhMLCQ-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/HgE\/ni0YAA\/t.2sf\/2A01-zynRk2Nr1rId6BW-Q\/h1\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793Udp8SB2NvSdg2DFln0ozKR1A1IC2UNzX2hV0r7yyHurrwhyR0PRAgNeQzxnX8Lqjw1yRaq4ytVE-2B3IdwIOb-2FzlcJlFpMzCnKcSvujTi169ZOonJS-2Bi-2FAmC202sM-2F5TMHCSSgalnT9GNeffBtLmZCbMINAT-2Bsc2i3wNLE-2FJZwqX2kACLfD-2Fn9N8HbTepuAt9JGd2tM5eMMKY150sjTe6eUFTzml2yqfpS-2Fl5jmJhMLCQ-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1560499440069000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEGSaI8i5xuk4qETm6KLU4LuMTd4g\">Click here to find out what you can do to help win a strong contract at Columba.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"May20\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday May 20, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>In our seventh bargaining session, we presented the administration with our open letter signed by a majority of Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists, calling on Columbia to negotiate stronger protections and recourse against harassment and discrimination. Representatives from our union and the graduate worker union delivered the open letter to President Bollinger\u2019s office earlier that afternoon.<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/FQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2rt\/U1MMEn3rS-icQbaXdHkv6A\/h0\/HE2UYZIDTZxfLuJ8qHDFiPTxeYp7aFAyzE-2FTvxzGCcFqdZIMmDj4AZpP4NRA86gSCvwmWRZRMAjL8qEJBRdZOOmoiXGWjCiUFAoDipxXjuDtoVdDOvngTKNn1oYCc0tfh-2F9QiRRlCWP0rxYxrji7-2BAk4ji4bQt1ISu30a5oRDnezrP7CZ8ox50BRhW6OhoxlCCJXLZod3BsHgJbibGVQ6e5lvBw7I8-2FwEbunZWs-2F-2FJEzs8DLZBHyUEnn8TsBOTpoXD7BnwxK94WS82w1qMw7Htj9fDxBBiEuGwAphJx55n5QKohFDNGD2DTnsokh0obu3aeCicKThFC8jci6xmXlv2CshFCqSjgnCkxBHShToeotkyEdIV6bqVbsyPZSZxUVg589K6lahj0q-2BWKtbBYd4MV-2BPhJ46dCYSdTXz-2BEN7vpPgOLMID3zn8xJQcjxA6PvLsMe3Iqyfdx4hqQdkqdWV-2BEL6pPnf3I4-2BU0ucyzh-2FQY-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/FQE\/ni0YAA\/t.2rt\/U1MMEn3rS-icQbaXdHkv6A\/h0\/HE2UYZIDTZxfLuJ8qHDFiPTxeYp7aFAyzE-2FTvxzGCcFqdZIMmDj4AZpP4NRA86gSCvwmWRZRMAjL8qEJBRdZOOmoiXGWjCiUFAoDipxXjuDtoVdDOvngTKNn1oYCc0tfh-2F9QiRRlCWP0rxYxrji7-2BAk4ji4bQt1ISu30a5oRDnezrP7CZ8ox50BRhW6OhoxlCCJXLZod3BsHgJbibGVQ6e5lvBw7I8-2FwEbunZWs-2F-2FJEzs8DLZBHyUEnn8TsBOTpoXD7BnwxK94WS82w1qMw7Htj9fDxBBiEuGwAphJx55n5QKohFDNGD2DTnsokh0obu3aeCicKThFC8jci6xmXlv2CshFCqSjgnCkxBHShToeotkyEdIV6bqVbsyPZSZxUVg589K6lahj0q-2BWKtbBYd4MV-2BPhJ46dCYSdTXz-2BEN7vpPgOLMID3zn8xJQcjxA6PvLsMe3Iqyfdx4hqQdkqdWV-2BEL6pPnf3I4-2BU0ucyzh-2FQY-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1558621953283000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEntRbHP8itIDqdxt1TFrmhBQCqPQ\">\u00a0Check out our facebook post and like the page to receive similar updates<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We started out our bargaining session yesterday with a powerful testimony from one of our fellow Associate Research Scientists who talked about being bullied by her former PI over a seven year period and the lack of effective university policies to address her type of situation, especially for international researchers whose visas depend on their PI\u2019s support.<\/p>\n<p>She described a culture of bullying and abuse of power that took the form of expecting researchers to work 12-13 hour days and over the weekends, clear violations of intellectual property policies, belittling comments and deliberate undermining of the lab members, and extreme pressure to deliver results. Even after leaving the lab, she was excluded from authorship over her own work and faced retaliation when she attempted to use existing university procedures to seek recourse. The administration\u2019s bargaining team acknowledged that strengthening protections against this kind of behavior was in the interest of everyone at the university.<\/p>\n<p>During the session, we made four new proposals and continued to discuss several others. We made a lot of progress on some of our key non-economic issues, and reached our first tentative agreement with the university, on our Severability article. This is very exciting because it demonstrates that we are making progress towards a fair agreement with the University. The article ensures that if any part of the contract is invalidated by law, that the rest of the contract will remain in effect. Our four new proposals were: Non-Discrimination and Harassment, International Worker Rights and Protections, Intellectual Property and Scholarly Misconduct, and Health and Safety.<\/p>\n<p>Our <strong>Non-Discrimination and Harassment proposal<\/strong> would state the university\u2019s commitment to protect against all forms of discrimination and harassment, establish preventative measures, and provide recourse options in cases where these issues do take place.<\/p>\n<p>Our <strong>International Workers Rights and Protections proposal<\/strong> would provide more support and transparency for international PARs in acquiring visas and protections against visa-renewal related costs.<\/p>\n<p>Our <strong>Intellectual Property proposal<\/strong> would give PARs more rights and control over what happens with research that we produce.<\/p>\n<p>Our <strong>Health and Safety proposal<\/strong> would ensure that PARs can address health concerns and maintain safe working environments.<\/p>\n<p>The university also gave us a packet of their positions on various articles, which nevertheless did not address many of our most recent proposals and ignored substantial issues we raised in previous sessions. In our next bargaining sessions, we will continue to discuss these and other proposals as we move forward in negotiations.<\/p>\n<p>Our next bargaining session will take place on June 10th. One member of our bargaining committee, Sonny Harman, will be leaving Columbia soon and will be replaced by our current Alternate, Ignacio Hernandez Morato. If you have any questions or would like to get more involved with the union please email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"May2\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Thursday May 2, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We are planning to present our harassment and discrimination proposal in our next session.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2rd\/bu1CzPFuQAKLUuNDrts39w\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNjRhg0ZnvzPOCXwx1tOquHclB4JVXooLcyL-2BPgtIR1bhMHQBANmhgqTc0HCA6eRhJITJkaF8jqAv05L43yzCOodC6m5ADiV2fbhzghr1WxYfipQ1O1ONqX9Zjqm0zXhPyOHKOrWs-2BKUBNM26LZVXUi3DSLdM3sGq5ezRvbvvyhwi7cvMV31IqvxcmKlbbzidvEprWayCKo7cvbUMqN0mvv2CAdyoWB1t3W5nfE8J2PklpmYxXQKBKwDzeKQJuNOxyVJZLHvFRhrfnQVep7SJLNffh5Roc99wL9T5gnWh1BKGg-3D-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2rd\/bu1CzPFuQAKLUuNDrts39w\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNjRhg0ZnvzPOCXwx1tOquHclB4JVXooLcyL-2BPgtIR1bhMHQBANmhgqTc0HCA6eRhJITJkaF8jqAv05L43yzCOodC6m5ADiV2fbhzghr1WxYfipQ1O1ONqX9Zjqm0zXhPyOHKOrWs-2BKUBNM26LZVXUi3DSLdM3sGq5ezRvbvvyhwi7cvMV31IqvxcmKlbbzidvEprWayCKo7cvbUMqN0mvv2CAdyoWB1t3W5nfE8J2PklpmYxXQKBKwDzeKQJuNOxyVJZLHvFRhrfnQVep7SJLNffh5Roc99wL9T5gnWh1BKGg-3D-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1557242070716000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEbJBb_DK7zkQa9t0wJi94_yBmVHA\">If you have not yet signed our Open Letter to the University, encouraging them to agree to stronger protections around bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination please do so here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We had our sixth bargaining session with the University\u2019s bargaining team yesterday. We discussed several new proposals and had further discussion on a number of our previous proposals. While we have not yet reached agreement on any of our proposed contract articles, we did have productive dialogue on a number of topics and felt we made a little bit more progress toward finding common ground than in some of our previous sessions. See below for details.<\/p>\n<p>We began by presenting new counter proposals on Vacation, Employment Files, and Job Postings. Our Employment Files proposal would provide recourse for a Postdocs or Associate Research Scientists (PAR) to access and review their employment file. Our Job Postings proposal would ensure that a diverse and qualified pool of candidates could apply for a positions, making the University more inclusive and competitive. Our Vacation proposal would entitle PARs to a well-defined and easily enforceable allotment of vacation time that cannot be dictated solely by the P.I. We still have differences to work out on each proposal, but yesterday\u2019s discussions made us more hopeful of reaching fair agreements on Employment Files and Job Postings. Vacation may be more challenging because of how it connects to our ongoing discussion of paid leave for parents and other related reasons.<\/p>\n<p>Columbia responded with counter proposals on Union Security and Holidays and proposed a new No-Strike No-Lockout clause. We were particularly encouraged by their proposal on Holidays, which moved beyond their previous way of making proposals that just referenced the Handbook, which would allow them to retain the ability to change the policy whenever they want. In their newest counter proposal, the University has specified actual dates, as well as defining personal days. They also included a provision we proposed, which would give PARs the right to take off an alternative day if required to work on a holiday. This is an important step forward in these discussions.<\/p>\n<p>Their Union Security proposal would allow an open shop where everyone would receive the benefits of the contract without contributing financially to the cost of representation. This proposal would substantially weaken the power of our local union to bargain strong subsequent contracts and enforce our contract once it goes into effect.<\/p>\n<p>The No-Strike No-Lockout clause is a standard clause in union contracts that would ensure that during the life of a contract, the University could not force PARs to stop working over a disagreement about the contract and unionized employees could not engage in strikes or work stoppages. It is typically accompanied by a robust Grievance and Arbitration provision, which would allow us to resolve any disputes through a neutral arbitrator if necessary instead of striking. We still have a long way to go to reach agreement on our grievance procedure proposal, and do not see how we can agree to a no-strike provision without such a strong enforcement mechanism also in our a contract.<\/p>\n<p>Our next session is May 20th. If you have any questions or would like to get more involved with the union please email\u00a0<a href=\"mailto:columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">columbiapostdocunion@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"April22\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday April 22, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Our bargaining committee continued to discuss several proposals we had previously made to the University which address many of the reasons a majority of us voted to have a union. We are engaged in collective bargaining to improve our lives as researchers and make Columbia more equitable, inclusive and competitive. However, the administration continues to minimize the importance of our proposals and insist that what they provide is already good enough.<\/p>\n<p>We discussed Union Access and Rights (the ability for the union to effectively engage with members on campus), Workspace and Materials (ensuring that researchers have adequate space and materials to complete their work), Workload and Work Quality (protections from unreasonable workloads), Employment Files (the right to view and comment on our employment files), Job Posting (having equitable and fair transparency around postings), Travel (timely reimbursement for travel-related costs), and Appointment Notifications (minimum appointment lengths and a clear process for reappointment).<\/p>\n<p>The University responded with a follow up proposals to Union Recognition (a definition of what job classifications are included in the union) and Workspace and Materials. Most of our discussion revolved around the idea that current University policies often fall short of ensuring clear procedures for Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists to have redress when it comes to basic workplace rights. Our next session is Scheduled for May 2nd, where we hope to continue to discuss the 22 articles that we have proposed so far.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2r0\/plrT6dfxSk6v91BthUuR4Q\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793f2ztUKkQvYDfS9oQLCJ-2BPGJNlYuj3tAIti2mZZ91qer7AKD70pUjZdxHoS4MGBtRhnRdPv43j15oBXEC2k4DX06uz7tUAIU0DTNqI6dTIhO4hT05VT16MFNLh09OqWxEPK7qYrS69EWtysAm1MgK8QLQ4HVWGoYX7lw1VZX5oF6ijmaooZde1hpmwNCu5tb6mjOH7JgheiNCKf0LWV1sf2G9QiQF-2FArpqHaQaXIcbPF31kvQ28RjkqthbRQH-2FSmB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_gA\/ni0YAA\/t.2r0\/plrT6dfxSk6v91BthUuR4Q\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793f2ztUKkQvYDfS9oQLCJ-2BPGJNlYuj3tAIti2mZZ91qer7AKD70pUjZdxHoS4MGBtRhnRdPv43j15oBXEC2k4DX06uz7tUAIU0DTNqI6dTIhO4hT05VT16MFNLh09OqWxEPK7qYrS69EWtysAm1MgK8QLQ4HVWGoYX7lw1VZX5oF6ijmaooZde1hpmwNCu5tb6mjOH7JgheiNCKf0LWV1sf2G9QiQF-2FArpqHaQaXIcbPF31kvQ28RjkqthbRQH-2FSmB&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1556203236638000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF9OUiVrQ1iCdFna81PoTmbNUSLlg\">If you would like to get more involved in our effort to bargain a strong contract please click here and we will reach out to you.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"April15\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday April 15, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We are excited to have completed our fourth bargaining session with Columbia.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2qu\/KxU5kbpgSw2UKvC250t1YQ\/h1\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNjRhg0ZnvzPOCXwx1tOquHclB4JVXooLcyL-2BPgtIR1bhBKF5LNpLf-2BEyjCG7k14RommRjjQUmyAgy-2FTjpRYMm8Y7NTUkfYV2dnAw0b-2F-2BJdEbIwsi2Rcy-2Fr1PY5Rx6aHA031hCXLg2PJnNUYHNUJNhIIyY03QI5Qi74dJXAL-2FaqXIkaBgRDZygzdgCuONpWgwKzd27JIILq6Mfe6hZq6tHTHaSP2WpbqN0yZ6Mnz1y97PjM9QI2KJ0bJqXXpO-2FBeAhckcME3USaY-2BZeFE26UuHme2S6Jt0N79u6ooiDqXgMme-2FvgbO3qsNZC0u2cEJIHyYTMcx31ZkY-2BEh2-2BICYyiku8-2B-2FjknyY5SltLX3g-2Bz67VQGDJbZAyMAhEVMGynKv0u-2Bc-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/-QA\/ni0YAA\/t.2qu\/KxU5kbpgSw2UKvC250t1YQ\/h1\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNjRhg0ZnvzPOCXwx1tOquHclB4JVXooLcyL-2BPgtIR1bhBKF5LNpLf-2BEyjCG7k14RommRjjQUmyAgy-2FTjpRYMm8Y7NTUkfYV2dnAw0b-2F-2BJdEbIwsi2Rcy-2Fr1PY5Rx6aHA031hCXLg2PJnNUYHNUJNhIIyY03QI5Qi74dJXAL-2FaqXIkaBgRDZygzdgCuONpWgwKzd27JIILq6Mfe6hZq6tHTHaSP2WpbqN0yZ6Mnz1y97PjM9QI2KJ0bJqXXpO-2FBeAhckcME3USaY-2BZeFE26UuHme2S6Jt0N79u6ooiDqXgMme-2FvgbO3qsNZC0u2cEJIHyYTMcx31ZkY-2BEh2-2BICYyiku8-2B-2FjknyY5SltLX3g-2Bz67VQGDJbZAyMAhEVMGynKv0u-2Bc-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1555622640932000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHe4u6sEwKEW3Z5UiVC3BiGEin0IQ\">Please take a minute to add your voice to our Open Letter on Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>While we had productive discussion on several proposals such as; Union Management Committee, Training and Orientation, Work Load and Workspace and Materials, it is clear that that we have a lot more work to do to on several other provisions in the contract. In several of Columbia\u2019s counter proposals, the University continues to propose maintaining the status quo on current policies while simultaneously reserving the right to change those \u00a0policies without bargaining with our union.<\/p>\n<p>We voted overwhelmingly to have an equal seat at the table and collectively bargain to improve our working conditions. We want to have clear, enforceable language in our contract and Columbia continues to insist on the status quo in which they would have the right to unilaterally change and determine our working conditions. In the University\u2019s counter proposals on Leaves, Holidays, Vacation and Job Postings they proposed having language that would not even codify the status quo but would simply allow the university to determine those policies outside of our contract.<\/p>\n<p>The University gave us counter proposals on Union Management Committee, Training and Orientation, Work Load, \u00a0Workspace and Materials, Leaves, Job Postings, Union Rights and Access, Appointment Notification and Employment Files.<\/p>\n<p>We gave counters on Employment Files, Union Management Committee, Training and Orientation, Vacation and Holidays.<\/p>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"April1\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday April 1, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We had another half-day bargaining session today. In our discussion and in their counterproposals so far, Columbia again made clear its desire to include as few rights in our contract as possible. In response to the university\u2019s previous proposal that would require PARs to address sexual harassment or discrimination only through Columbia\u2019s existing procedures, we have started an open letter.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_wA\/ni0YAA\/t.2qf\/N8odh5k2RTCcx0Cz1bkfBA\/h1\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzP-2FfgekA2vqswRK2d5E-2Fr6BQdgAa9kC6NeSV5xZcXTyMv4XHZUk8UvO1IluYXcpBA7qCZYfbNUYw6mn0-2BwcTrJKfGL-2B-2FZSi88RURUvt-2Bg7jh2pUFY9EOsMYF-2B5Okft18x9muaXZvc6eSXFmLnnrclsFUfrPl0VnUBoBOlLFqKS0Box3EWAfWp1obpL8ngl9NGY-2Fjjis30LQ2t8Oz1Noxa8LdId0sszw-2Fcr-2FtTXDsM5v1i1XLvwjDrGOqi16wI-2FMwcW-2FiEnyzTfyddVvQpl-2F0Yq1649025GICsZ7Kzxn-2B2VPdD-2BENTsmafvaWxQUAHNuv-2FCeU518kiJpXbqTn-2FMz-2Fb-2BI9GVGl6Z6JEpUTpCj-2BQY2GTzvBLJG7l1HNRjNEOovfPDccYWK75V1RyD9SkbBvkNkmXd0jsvIu9G2MkUFFSDBaEWYFzqEKVLi81nD-2B7vS96o-3D\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/_wA\/ni0YAA\/t.2qf\/N8odh5k2RTCcx0Cz1bkfBA\/h1\/TQq8raW4D-2FfUJzgtPOAKaSS4vIHaZJtXQhzWOCarPzP-2FfgekA2vqswRK2d5E-2Fr6BQdgAa9kC6NeSV5xZcXTyMv4XHZUk8UvO1IluYXcpBA7qCZYfbNUYw6mn0-2BwcTrJKfGL-2B-2FZSi88RURUvt-2Bg7jh2pUFY9EOsMYF-2B5Okft18x9muaXZvc6eSXFmLnnrclsFUfrPl0VnUBoBOlLFqKS0Box3EWAfWp1obpL8ngl9NGY-2Fjjis30LQ2t8Oz1Noxa8LdId0sszw-2Fcr-2FtTXDsM5v1i1XLvwjDrGOqi16wI-2FMwcW-2FiEnyzTfyddVvQpl-2F0Yq1649025GICsZ7Kzxn-2B2VPdD-2BENTsmafvaWxQUAHNuv-2FCeU518kiJpXbqTn-2FMz-2Fb-2BI9GVGl6Z6JEpUTpCj-2BQY2GTzvBLJG7l1HNRjNEOovfPDccYWK75V1RyD9SkbBvkNkmXd0jsvIu9G2MkUFFSDBaEWYFzqEKVLi81nD-2B7vS96o-3D&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1554297405755000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFswmd2g-dVk_1swOEvjtUWttPb4w\">Please click here to sign the open letter articulating our desire for stronger protections on sexual harassment and discrimination<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Not only were they resistant to several of our articles covering basic rights concerning our working conditions, they have so far refused to put some of the basic components of current policies in the contract. \u00a0While we find this approach frustrating and lacking a substantive basis, we did continue to have some worthwhile discussion.<\/p>\n<p>We submitted 8 new proposals: Appointment Notification and Job Description, Appointment Security, Job Posting, Workload and Work Quality, Leaves of Absence, Discipline &amp; Dismissal, Grievance Procedure &amp; Arbitration and Union Rights &amp; Access.<\/p>\n<p>The University gave us counterproposals on our initial proposals on Severability, Travel &amp; Reimbursement, \u00a0Union-Management Committee, Vacations, Holidays, Training &amp; Orientation and outright rejected our proposals on Past Practices, Successorship, Subcontracting, Employee Assistance Program, Employment Files and Workspace &amp; Equipment.<\/p>\n<p>Summary of our new proposals:<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Appointments-<\/strong>\u00a0This article would establish minimum appointment and reappointment lengths, timelines and content for notifications of offers of appointment and description of assignment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Appointment Security-<\/strong>\u00a0This would ensure that once Columbia has offered an appointment to a Postdoc\/ARS, they guarantee the position and conditions through the length of the appointment.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Job Posting-<\/strong>\u00a0Guarantees that job postings will continue to adhere to university policy encouraging transparency and equal opportunity for candidates.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Workload-<\/strong>\u00a0Gives Postdocs\/ARS the ability to address unreasonable workloads that are not connected to research needs.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Leaves of Absence-<\/strong>\u00a0Outlines paid leaves of absence for medical, parental, bereavement and other forms of approved absence from assigned duties.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Discipline and Dismissal-<\/strong>\u00a0Creates a fair process for progressive discipline in the case that the University is contemplating disciplinary action.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Grievance and Arbitration-<\/strong>\u00a0Creates a process in which provisions in the contract can be enforced. This article would allow for Postdocs\/ARS to take a grievance to a neutral third party if they are unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with the University.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Union Rights and Access-<\/strong>\u00a0Provides the union with the necessary information and access to the workplace to ensure that members of the bargaining unit are represented.<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n<p>Best,<\/p>\n<p>CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"March15\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Friday March 15, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<p>We had our second bargaining session today and gave our first batch of proposed contract articles to Columbia\u2019s team.\u00a0 We had some productive initial conversation on some of our topics, but Columbia also passed several proposals communicating its central priorities in the negotiations.\u00a0 While we left the meeting knowing how much work we have to do in coming months, we also know that with support and participation of Postdoc and Associate Researchers (PARs) across Columbia, we can win a fair agreement.<\/p>\n<p>You can read a full summary below, but our proposals covered basic topics like Recognition as well as more substantive provisions that would make improvements and clarify basic workplace rights and benefits like payment for work-related travel and access to time off for holidays and vacations.<\/p>\n<p>Columbia\u2019s proposals, on the other hand and in their own words, would \u201cpreserve the status quo\u201d by codifying their right to run the academic mission of the University and preserve their internal procedures on complaints regarding discrimination and sexual harassment.\u00a0 For example, their initial proposal would require PARs to address sexual harassment or discrimination through Columbia\u2019s existing procedures. Unfortunately, as many PARs know and as a growing number of prominent academic societies (e.g. National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine) have pointed out recently, these existing procedures too often fail to produce fair outcomes. We will be making our own counter-proposal to enhance protections against harassment and discrimination sometime soon&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/AwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2py\/aaYiQQLCSJqzcJb01sH1xQ\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793pSG2fvGCjmSFMJscU3S0Tt1-2BPT2IAxaXDp-2B7nIBvXcvkDw2BPAC0skypWMTNWU7sNUnOTKX09tHTcM1C4PP2p2qs7ohOizdyMTxEtkh9RYQST-2FKYp5IWmylJzotNIfw-2BC1KkbaT-2FXsPCpY3bJCDYnN-2FZlb-2FaQDGbyaXou3OvvoIZSTfahRqqpxb-2BPSIWibbQ7OALtK0W5G1z96f3NPtnlleNtxV9ZnC2BR92STHSG-2FVvZ-2BP3EWSYCaSNZQx4sxoo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/u1584542.ct.sendgrid.net\/mpss\/c\/AwE\/ni0YAA\/t.2py\/aaYiQQLCSJqzcJb01sH1xQ\/h0\/pkGQdBYi-2FLX4lg9MtDmys5MkAgv8uNez5noCYoy9aNh-2FraTPrGhIJapAdT9e0793pSG2fvGCjmSFMJscU3S0Tt1-2BPT2IAxaXDp-2B7nIBvXcvkDw2BPAC0skypWMTNWU7sNUnOTKX09tHTcM1C4PP2p2qs7ohOizdyMTxEtkh9RYQST-2FKYp5IWmylJzotNIfw-2BC1KkbaT-2FXsPCpY3bJCDYnN-2FZlb-2FaQDGbyaXou3OvvoIZSTfahRqqpxb-2BPSIWibbQ7OALtK0W5G1z96f3NPtnlleNtxV9ZnC2BR92STHSG-2FVvZ-2BP3EWSYCaSNZQx4sxoo&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1552935733728000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHVOOjTwM13fPLtTu1iVxJ_FIVk8g\">if you are interested in discussing or contributing to our development of this proposal, please join the Bullying, Discrimination and Harassment Working Group<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>We look forward to continuing to develop further proposals, moving ahead with more bargaining sessions, and taking on what will be a challenging campaign to win a fair contract for all Postdoc and Associate Researchers at Columbia.<\/p>\n<p>See below for a summary of our proposals passed today.<\/p>\n<p>SUMMARY OF CPW-UAW PROPOSALS<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Recognition<\/strong>: would codify official recognition of CPW-UAW<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Past Practices<\/strong>: would protect benefits and conditions that we do not address specifically in the contract<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Severability<\/strong>: would protect remainder of contract if one provision is declared unlawful and ensure our right to bargain over any impacts<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Successorship<\/strong>: would preserve our contract if ownership of Columbia is transferred<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Subcontracting<\/strong>: would protect against subcontracting of PAR work<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Union-Management Committee<\/strong>: creates a joint committee to meet regularly during the life of the contract on matters related to our contract<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Union Security<\/strong>: would ensure that PARs contribute equally to the cost of representation<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Employee Assistance Program<\/strong>: would preserve access to EAP, which all PARs recently gained access to<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Employment Files<\/strong>: would ensure access to and rights to ensure accuracy of our employment records<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Travel<\/strong>: would improve Columbia payment to PARs for all work-related travel<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Training<\/strong>: would ensure that PARs are paid for all time spent at trainings<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Holidays<\/strong>: would clarify and improve rights to time off on holidays<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Vacation<\/strong>: would clarify and improve access to vacation time off<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Workspace and Materials<\/strong>: would ensure that Columbia provide space, materials, equipment, and facilities necessary for PARs to perform our work<\/p>\n<p>SUMMARY OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PROPOSALS<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Management and Academic Rights<\/strong>: would give Columbia wide-ranging discretion to determine that aspects of university operations are \u201cacademic\u201d and therefore not subject to our collective bargaining relationship<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Grievance<\/strong>: defines the process for how grievances would be handled<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Arbitration<\/strong>: would establish access to a neutral arbitration process for grievances, but give the university broad discretion to block such grievances by calling them \u201cacademic.\u201d<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"><strong>Non-Discrimination<\/strong>: would simply codify existing university policy in our contract<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]<a name=\"Feb25\"><\/a><span style=\"color: #ffffff;\">*<\/span><br \/>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][vc_column_text]\n<h4><span style=\"color: #00a4e0;\">Monday February 25, 2019<\/span><\/h4>\n<div align=\"justify\">\n<p>Today, our bargaining committee had our first negotiation session with the University administration. We began the meeting with introductions, and then our team presented our bargaining goals which have been ratified by 98% of voting Postdocs and Associate Researchers. <a href=\"http:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/contract-negotiations\/initial-bargaining-goals\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can read the bargaining goals here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The bargaining committee articulated how making these improvements can help to make Columbia a progressive leader for research institutions across the country. By making the university more accessible and inclusive, postdocs and ARS can spend more of our time dedicated to our research. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After our presentation, the university responded that the path to finalizing an agreement will be challenging, though they are committed to reaching an agreement and believe that collective bargaining works. Our bargaining goals encompass both economic and non-economic proposals, and we are excited to negotiate for provisions that both ease our financial burdens and establish new rights for researchers. For example, we aim to negotiate stronger recourse against discrimination and sexual harassment, a critical provision that could enable a researcher a better chance at achieving a fair and just resolution. These types of provisions, which equalize the power relationship between us and the university, would constitute a fundamental improvement to our work experience. We know the University is likely to resist such changes, and we are committed to work through those challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the meeting was cordial, their comments made clear that reaching a fair contract will take engaged participation from Postdocs and Associate Research Scientists across campus. We will continue to keep everyone apprised of updates moving forward. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The University\u2019s bargaining team consists of Bernie Plum, an attorney with the law firm Proskauer Rose, Dan Driscoll (Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer) Patsy Catapano (Associate General Counsel) Linda Mischel Eisner (Director of Special Projects, Office of the President), Julia Hirschberg (Professor of Computer Science), Bill Innes (Associate Vice Dean-Human Resources at Columbia), Wil McCoy (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assistant Vice President, Budget and Planning at Columbia University Medical Center), <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mary Ann Carlese (Senior Director, Labor Relations), Art Lerner-Lam (Deputy Director: Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory), Rose Razaghian (Dean of Academic Planning and Governance), Mike Shelanski (Senior Vice Dean for Research &amp; Co-Director, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease and the Aging Brain). <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"#top\"><button class=\"cta\">Back to Index<\/button><\/a><\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_row]\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;]\u00a0 \u00a0*[\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;7\/12&#8243;] [\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;3\/12&#8243; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562595177564{border-top-width: 5px !important;border-right-width: 5px !important;border-bottom-width: 5px !important;border-left-width: 5px !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-left-color: #1e73be !important;border-left-style: groove !important;border-right-color: #1e73be !important;border-right-style: groove !important;border-top-color: #1e73be !important;border-top-style: groove !important;border-bottom-color: #1e73be !important;border-bottom-style: groove !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text] Attend a Bargaining Session We encourage<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":1294,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2213"}],"version-history":[{"count":71,"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3932,"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2213\/revisions\/3932"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1294"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/columbiapostdocunion.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2213"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}