We, the union of postdoctoral and associate researchers of Columbia University, write to urge the University administration to agree to a fair contract that ensures we have secure and equitable jobs. We represent over 1,600 researchers across more than 140 departments, and our work is central to Columbia’s research mission and reputation. We have fought against attacks on public research funding and international workers together with our colleagues across the city and the country to keep this mission strong, even as our own working conditions have deteriorated.
Our data shows that approximately 34% of Columbia postdocs and ARSs are now on appointments shorter than 12 months, significantly more than previous years. This only adds to insecurity in immigration status, research environment, housing, and access to benefits. International researchers make up a majority of our workforce and struggle with visa insecurity and renewal leave especially in this time of unpredictable immigration policies, and yet during our negotiations Columbia has resisted providing basic improvements to visa support. On top of that, the University has failed to follow through on commitments to address issues of power-based harassment and bullying, and the University’s processes for resolving harassment/discrimination cases have proven to be too slow and opaque. Finally, Postdoctoral Research Fellows are classified as independent contractors for tax purposes, depriving them of the same benefits and protections as their colleagues doing equivalent work. All of this contributes to an unpredictable work environment that hinders our ability to conduct research without disruption.
Columbia has the resources and the institutional standing to lead on these issues. Peer institutions in New York City and beyond have committed to stable appointments, meaningful harassment protections, and fair treatment of all researchers. We therefore call on the University administration to provide stable and secure employment as part of a new collective bargaining agreement that:
- Enhances job stability through one-year minimum appointment and reappointment lengths and significantly increased notice before non-renewal.
- Eases visa renewal by providing adequate paid leave for researchers to complete visa stamp renewals and other necessary immigration proceedings, including sufficient time to travel internationally.
- Increases visa flexibility by maximizing work authorization document lengths and providing clear institutional support for international researchers navigating an increasingly complex immigration environment.
- Delivers real protections against harassment/discrimination and bullying, by establishing explicit protections against bullying, and significantly improving the process for addressing instances of harassment/discrimination with an accelerated timeline and interim measures if needed.
- Ensures equity for research fellows by reclassifying their tax status so they have access to the same rights and benefits as postdoctoral researchers.
- Strengthens Union rights and representation including standard provisions on access to information and orientations to ensure all new postdocs/ARS receive information on their rights.
We remain committed to Columbia’s research mission. We ask the administration to commit to the protections outlined above and to reach a fair agreement that honors our contributions to that mission. meet that commitment in return, and to provide us with stable and secure jobs.
Sincerely,