Researchers at University of Pennsylvania decide to unionize under the looming threats of federal health and scientific funding cuts
Postdoctoral Researchers Unionize at Penn and Other Universities
Postdoctoral researchers and research associates at several prestigious universities, including the University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Princeton University, Brown University, and Northwestern University, have made significant strides towards unionization.
In mid-July 2025, postdocs and research associates at Penn voted overwhelmingly to form a union under the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The National Labor Relations Board certified this result, with 703 votes in favor and 38 against out of 1,500 eligible voters [1]. The university is now awaiting the start of collective bargaining.
Similar unionization efforts are underway or have occurred at Princeton, Brown, and Northwestern, indicating a broader trend among postdoctoral researchers to seek collective bargaining rights.
The primary goals identified by the union members at Penn include better salaries, job security, and more protections for international scholars, given the political climate affecting science funding and visa issues. These benefits reflect the typical concerns of postdocs and research associates who perform research, teaching, and other academic duties but often lack the job protections and pay commensurate with their advanced qualifications.
At Penn, Nelanthi Hewa, a postdoctoral researcher studying journalism and labour, is a union organizer and a vocal advocate for longer contracts and job security for international scholars. Hewa is from Canada.
Union organizer and materials scientist William Drayer stated that postdoctoral researchers and research associates work in the same labs as graduate students. He noted that the postdocs and research associates at Penn will be in lockstep with the graduate student union on issues.
The UAW has also been instrumental in reinstating some research projects cancelled by the federal government and joined a lawsuit against the National Institutes of Health terminating grants, leading to some being reinstated, including at Penn.
The benefits secured through unionization have not yet been publicly detailed, as official bargaining is still at the early stages as of July-August 2025. However, as reported by the Daily Pennsylvanian, postdocs at other universities who have unionized have been able to negotiate salary increases of more than 10%.
A Penn spokesperson stated that they now wait for the union to start the bargaining process. Ryan Fair, a radiology researcher at Penn and union organizer, stated that postdoctoral researchers and research associates need salaries and benefits that allow them to plan for the future due to their age.
References: [1] The Daily Pennsylvanian, "Penn Postdocs and Researchers Unionize Under UAW," July 15, 2025, https://www.thedp.com/article/2025/07/penn-postdocs-and-researchers-unionize-under-uaw
- Science fields continue to evolve, with postdoctoral researchers and associates making strides in workplace wellness at universities like Penn, Princeton, and Northwestern.
- The approved unionization at Penn is a significant step towards addressing medical conditions and chronic diseases that affect researchers, with better salaries and job security being key concerns.
- Cancer research and health and wellness initiatives could see improvements due to the union efforts, as researchers strive for a holistic approach to fitness and exercise.
- The unionization trend among postdocs extends beyond Penn, with mental health and therapies and treatments becoming increasingly important within the industry.
- Medicaid and finance are under debate as researchers seek coverage for their medical needs, ensuring they can focus on research without worrying about costs.
- Lifestyle changes, ranging from fashion and beauty to food and drink, may be influenced by the union's efforts, as researchers prioritize self-care.
- Investing in research and personal-finance education could become a priority, helping researchers plan for their financial future.
- Home and garden-related concerns could arise as researchers seek more stable housing and work arrangements.
- Businesses, including banks and insurance companies, need to adapt to the changing landscape, offering tailored solutions for researchers.
- Data and cloud computing technology play a critical role in scientific research, and the union may advocate for increased resources in this area.
- Technological advancements in various fields, such as relationships, pets, travel, education, personal growth, and career development, may benefit from the union's input.
- Sporting events, including football (soccer), WNBA, baseball, hockey, golf, sports betting, European leagues, basketball, NCAABasketball, MLB, NHL, racing, American football, NBA, horse racing, weather forecasting, NCAAFootball, and tennis, could potentially be impacted by the union's focus on sports analysis.
- Auto racing and mixed-martial arts enthusiasts might see changes in coverage and support for these sports, driven by the union's influence.
- Unionized postdocs and research associates at Penn may push for family-friendly policies, including parental leave for scientists working on groundbreaking research and clinical trials.
- International collaborations in science could benefit from the union's focus on immigration issues, providing more legal support and protections for scholars.
- As union members take on increased responsibilities, they may explore opportunities in sports management and sports journalism to facilitate better understanding of their fields.
- The union could advocate for reduced working hours and work-life balance policies, promoting overall well-being among researchers and associated professionals.
- Advancements in technology, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, could play a role in improving research outcomes, thus benefiting from the union's collective advocacy.
- Unionization efforts could extend to non-university research environments, setting a precedent for improved working conditions in the wider scientific community.
- Union members may advocate for increased funding for research and infrastructure, ensuring that the next generation of scientists has the resources they need to succeed.
- In partnership with industry stakeholders, unions could drive innovation in various fields, paving the way for breakthroughs in medical treatments, renewable energy, and more.
- Unionized researchers might collaborate with policymakers to influence regulations and legislation affecting research, particularly in areas like climate change and public health.
- As unionized researchers focus on their careers, they may cultivate relationships with influential figures in academia, industry, and government, furthering their influence and impact.
- The union's stance on various issues, such as lifestyle choices, sustainability, and ethical considerations, could shape the direction of scientific research in the coming years.
- The unionization movement among postdoctoral researchers and research associates represents a significant shift in the academic landscape, with potential ripples affecting industry, finance, self-development, and the wider world.
