Brown University Postdocs Are Unionizing

Providence, RI — The postdoctoral researchers and Dean’s Faculty Fellows (DFFs) of Brown University have announced their decision to Unionize, forming the Brown University Postdoc Labor Organization (BPLO).

The postdoctoral researchers and DFFs plan to affiliate with RIFTHP-AFT Local 6516, joining the Graduate Labor Organization (GLO), the Teaching Assistant Labor Organization (TALO), and the Labor Organization of Community Coordinators (LOCC) to better working conditions across Brown University. 

“Being a postdoc or an academic should not equate to being poorly compensated,” said David Paulius, an organizer with the group. “Many postdocs have voiced their concerns on the increasing costs of living, and we have seen that postdocs are not being paid fairly across the university system. I support a union that fights for more parity, equal benefits, and better working conditions for domestic and international scholars—such as myself—alike.”

The postdocs and DFFs are seeking wage increases, support for international postdocs, expanded benefits for postdocs who are parents or becoming parents, and more equitable provisions for all. 

“I went to graduate school for 8 years, only to start a postdoc and be paid worse than I was during my PhD. I love my research, but that love does not pay my bills,” said Caroline Keroack, another organizer. “I have seen how variable the postdoc experience here is at Brown, and how many brilliant researchers are struggling to make ends meet for their families. I support forming a union to ensure a postdoc isn’t something reserved for a privileged few: we cannot make real progress when critical voices are missing.” 

By establishing a Union, the postdocs are empowered to negotiate with the university to improve conditions and promote equity for postdocs and DFFs.

“For global health research to be equitable and sustainable, researchers need stability and fair treatment,” said Sarah Neville, another organizer who works in global public health. “To do good work, we need good working conditions! That’s why I’m part of BPLO: because to positively impact our world, academia needs to treat workers well at every level of the organizational chart.”

BPLO follows successful unionization efforts among postdocs at several universities, including but not limited to Columbia University, Weill Cornell Medicine, University of California, University of Washington, and Rutgers University. 

Brown University is a private research university located in Providence, Rhode Island. It is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher education in the United States, with a strong emphasis on teaching and research. The approximately 350 postdocs and 12 DFFs advance Brown University’s mission by enriching curriculum and research with their expertise and labor.

For more information, contact the BPLO organizing committee at info@blpounion.org or brown.university.postdocs@gmail.com and follow BPLO on Instagram or Twitter at @bplounion.

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BPLO is organizing a rally, to be held at 12:00 PM on Dec 12, 2023 outside Faunce Hall. We invite all those who support postdoctoral workers’ rights to join and stand in solidarity with our cause!