Northwestern Postdoctoral Researchers Vote to Unionize for Better Conditions

Hundreds of postdoctoral scholars and research associates at Northwestern University have voted to unionize, marking a significant step in their efforts to secure better working conditions. The vote took place this week, with researchers casting 515 votes in favor of union representation by the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America and only 13 votes against. The National Labor Relations Board certified the results on March 15, 2024.

Julia Fadjukov, a postdoctoral fellow specializing in ophthalmology, expressed her excitement about the outcome. “It’s beyond exciting to be part of something like this,” she said. “Every postdoc that will now come to Northwestern, not just us, will have this. And we all built it together.”

This vote occurs against a backdrop of significant financial challenges at Northwestern University. Administrators are grappling with a $790 million federal funding freeze that has led to drastic budget cuts, including the elimination of 425 staff positions and reductions in employee benefits. Faculty members have been urged to limit laboratory spending, which has the potential to stall crucial research initiatives.

In light of these challenges, members of the newly formed Northwestern Postdoctoral Union (NUPU-UE) are seeking higher wages, enhanced workplace protections, and greater job security. The unionization vote paves the way for collective bargaining negotiations with university officials. Over 1,100 postdoctoral researchers currently work within Northwestern’s research labs, most on short-term contracts tied to specific grants that are not guaranteed to be renewed.

Ahmad Othman, a postdoctoral scholar in the department of urology, emphasized the importance of having a voice in the face of uncertainty. “Unfortunately, there are cuts and changes being made, and even though we don’t have a contract yet, at least now, we have a voice,” he noted.

In July 2023, members petitioned the university for voluntary recognition of their union, which was declined. Following the NLRB vote, university officials acknowledged the outcome in an email to faculty and staff, stating, “Northwestern deeply values the contributions that postdocs and research associates make to the university’s research and teaching missions. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support and prepare them for future success.”

A key focus for NUPU-UE is increased support for international workers. The union members have expressed concerns about heightened scrutiny in visa processes under the previous administration, which has created a climate of fear on campus. Approximately 70% of the union’s members are international scholars. Fadjukov, who hails from Finland, conveyed the sentiments shared by many: “This job is our dream job. We love to do research and science for a living, but with everything going on in the U.S. at the moment, it has definitely felt like there’s this strong sense of fear. I think many of us feel that with the union, we can have a safe space to do our work.”

The certification of NUPU-UE follows closely on the heels of the unionization of Northwestern’s graduate student workers, who represent around 2,800 students and ratified their first contract last year. This trend towards unionization reflects a growing movement among academic researchers seeking to improve their working conditions and advocate for their rights within the university system.