March 9, 2023

RSVP to attend our next bargaining session on March 17!

Yesterday we met Sinai for the 14th time at the bargaining table. Sinai presented counters on WorkloadProfessional DevelopmentTrainingEmployment Records, and Appointment Security. While Sinai made minor changes, many aspects of their proposals remain below the status quo, and Sinai’s tone at the table did not inspire greater confidence that they share our sense of urgency.

On Professional Development, Sinai agreed that there would be an annual program of professional development opportunities, but rejected any commitment to what would be included in that program. Their counter is still far from providing the support structure postdocs deserve to pursue a successful career. On Appointment Security, Sinai made no changes to their previous counterproposal, maintaining their position that Sinai can terminate appointments without cause. On Workload, Sinai rejected language that would protect postdocs against unreasonable work schedules and from working an excessive number of hours. In combination with Sinai’s unwillingness to meet more frequently, this level of movement shows very little urgency on Sinai’s side — reaching a fair contract in a timely manner will require more progress from Sinai and more time at the table.

At our last session Sinai told us that they would respond yesterday to our proposal on extending postdoc housing, which we gave to them more than a month ago. Mount Sinai did not have a response prepared, and “committed” to provide one at the next session (March 17th), as  postdocs continue to lose their housing while bargaining continues.

Our next bargaining session will take place on Wednesday, March 17 at 9 am EST. Click here to attend an upcoming session

We passed counter proposals on Health and SafetyProhibition Against Discrimination and HarassmentAppointments and ReappointmentsGrievance and ArbitrationUnion Access and Union Security.

We made Sinai aware of their regressive language in Health and Safety and continued to assert the need for protections against unsafe work environments, predictable appointment lengths, and a timely grievance procedure (Sinai’s current proposal would force us to wait over four months before taking a complaint to a neutral third-party). In particular, on health and safety, we emphasized the importance of enforceable ergonomic standards to protect researchers who often work for hours at a workbench or computer.

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

In solidarity,

Lukas Bethlehem
Immunology and Genetics & Genomic Sciences
SPOC-UAW Bargaining Committee