In recent months, the newly unionized postdoctoral researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the proposed wage offer of 0% raises over the course of a three-year contract. These researchers, who are funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and paid based on a federal formula, are currently earning an average of around $54,000. However, neighboring states like Washington and California have been providing supplements to these wages.
On April 16th, members of the union picketed outside the building where negotiations were taking place to express their dissatisfaction with OHSU’s offer and call for better compensation. The union, represented by AFSCME Local 328, highlighted the crucial role that postdoc researchers play in OHSU’s research projects and demanded fair wages that reflect their contributions to the institution’s work in healthcare and research.
Despite this demand for fair wages, OHSU has yet to make any significant changes to its offer. As negotiations continue, OHSU has also announced plans to acquire Legacy Health for $1 billion. This acquisition adds an extra layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions between the university and the newly unionized postdoctoral researchers. The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching implications for the future of these researchers and their work at OHSU.
The union argues that postdoctoral researchers at OHSU are underpaid compared to what they had expected when they joined in April 2023. They believe that their contributions should be recognized with fair compensation that reflects their value to the institution.
As tensions rise between OHSU and its newly unionized workers, it remains to be seen whether both sides can find common ground on this important issue. The future of these researchers at OHSU hangs in the balance as negotiations continue.
In conclusion, OHSU has been facing opposition from its newly unionized unit of around 250 postdoctoral researchers who are unhappy with its proposed wage offer. Despite efforts by both sides to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, tensions remain high as negotiations continue with no clear resolution in sight yet.