The postdoctoral union at Brown University has achieved recognition from the university.

Following the completion of their card check agreement, Brown University officially recognized the Brown University Postdoc Labor Organization (BPLO) as a union, as announced on BPLO’s Instagram. BPLO had announced its intention to unionize on December 8 and filed a representation petition with the National Labor Relations Board on December 28 to demonstrate adequate support for union formation. Federal mediators confirmed that BPLO’s signatory list matched Brown University’s list of individuals within the postdoctoral bargaining unit. Since the university voluntarily recognized the union, BPLO was spared from undergoing a formal election process through the NLRB for recognition.

The University spokesperson didn’t respond immediately to the request for comment.

Before completing the card check process, University spokesperson Brian Clark informed The Herald that if a majority of the postdoctoral workers expressed a desire for union representation, the University was prepared to recognize the union and initiate negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement, as reported by The Herald.

As stated in the post, the recognized bargaining unit comprises postdoctoral research associates, postdoctoral fellows, and Dean’s Faculty Fellows who are directly paid by Brown University. However, postdocs affiliated with hospitals, who are not employed by the University, are not currently included in the recognized bargaining unit.

With the union officially recognized by the University, BPLO representatives and University administrators can now begin negotiating the contract.

Sarah Neville, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and BPLO organizer, noted that the swift recognition of the union reflects the unity and determination of the postdoc community in forming their union.

Before completing the card check agreement, Caroline Keroack, a postdoctoral research associate and BPLO organizer, discussed with The Herald BPLO’s aim to establish a contract this year. She highlighted the union’s enthusiasm for advocating for postdocs and assisting others interested in forming unions.

Now, according to Sarah Neville, who informed The Herald, BPLO is broadening its scope to include hospital-based postdoctoral fellows associated with the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior.

Brown University has established guidelines for conduct regarding postdoctoral unionization. Here’s a summary:

What’s Happening:

Postdocs and Deans’ Faculty Fellows at Brown are considering unionization.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has strict rules for organizing campaigns.
Brown won’t hold a union election. Instead, a representative from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) will check signed union cards. If most postdocs support the union, Brown will recognize it.
Guidelines for Faculty and Leaders:

Allowed Activities:

Faculty should maintain their relationships with postdocs.
They can share personal opinions about unionization but must clarify that these are personal views.
They can share information about pay, benefits, and policies when asked.
They can encourage postdocs to learn about unionization and express their views.

Prohibited Activities:

Faculty should not use coercion, threats, or rewards related to unionization.
They should not interrogate postdocs about their union stance or activities.
They cannot conduct surveillance or interfere with organizing activities.
These guidelines aim to ensure fair practices and uphold academic freedom at Brown University.