In a significant milestone, the Brown University Postdoc Labor Organization (BPLO) has gained official recognition from the University, marking a triumph for the postdoc community. The journey to unionization began on December 8 when BPLO declared its intent, followed by filing a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board on December 28. The culmination of this effort came with the completion of the card check agreement, as announced on the BPLO Instagram page.
Swift Recognition: A Testament to Unity
The noteworthy aspect of this achievement is the University’s voluntary recognition of the union. Typically, the process involves a National Labor Relations Board election, but due to the University’s agreement, BPLO bypassed this step. Federal mediators, post the filing of the representation petition, confirmed that the signatories on BPLO’s list aligned with those recognized by Brown University as part of the postdoctoral bargaining unit.
University spokesperson Brian Clark, commenting on the situation before the card check’s completion, emphasized the University’s readiness to recognize the union if a majority of the proposed postdoctoral bargaining unit expressed a desire for representation.
Bargaining Unit Composition
The voluntarily recognized bargaining unit comprises postdoctoral research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and Dean’s Faculty Fellows directly paid by Brown University. Notably, postdocs affiliated with hospitals and not employed directly by the University are currently excluded from the recognized bargaining unit.
Contract Negotiations on the Horizon
With official recognition secured, the next phase involves contract negotiations between BPLO representatives and University administrators. This development is seen as a swift response to the collective determination of the postdoc community.
Postdoctoral Research Fellow and BPLO organizer Sarah Neville expressed, “The fact that the union was recognized so quickly is a testament to how united, enthusiastic, and determined the whole postdoc community has been about forming our union.”
Looking Ahead: Inclusion of Hospital-Based Postdocs
Beyond the current victory, BPLO is expanding its scope to include hospital-affiliated postdoctoral fellows, specifically those associated with the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Sarah Neville, representing a group of postdocs yet to be recognized by the University, indicated this broader vision for the union in an email to The Herald.
In an earlier interview, Caroline Keroack, a postdoctoral research associate and BPLO organizer, outlined the union’s goal to establish a contract this year. Keroack expressed eagerness about the potential impact, stating, “Everyone deserves to have a union, and we’re really excited to see who does it next. We’re excited to help the next people.”
With official recognition in hand, BPLO’s journey now advances to the negotiation table, signaling a promising chapter for postdocs at Brown University.
