Rutgers AAUP-AFT has represented hundreds of postdoctoral associates since 2011. Postdocs are part of the same union with full-time faculty, graduate workers, and EOF counselors, but they have their own separate contract. In June 2021, postdocs won a new contract nearly two years after the previous one had expired.
Contract
Read the full text of the Rutgers AAUP-AFT contract with Rutgers governing postdoctoral associates.
Why Postdocs Join Our Union
Advocacy and Protections: Rutgers AAUP-AFT has a proven record of accomplishments in winning higher salaries and better working conditions for all who do research and teach at Rutgers. Unlike most universities where postdocs are not represented by a union, postdocs at Rutgers are represented by the same union that represents the tenured, tenure-track, and non-tenure-track faculty, expanding the sense of solidarity and community.
Professional Salaries: Rutgers postdocs receive salaries and annual increases commensurate with the needs of rising professionals in their fields. Especially in times of austerity, access to collective bargaining through the union provides the greatest means to advocate for higher salaries.
Visa Help: International scholars, who make up the majority of postdocs, do not have a voice in the US legal and political system as individuals. But as members of the union, postdocs can be heard. Our union has won a contractual commitment from management to provide greater visa assistance to help navigate the non-immigrant visa process and the immigration process for international postdocs.
Work-Family Fairness: Rutgers postdocs are covered under the same NJ state health care statutes as our faculty. Postdocs are eligible for family leave and have clarity on their rights and benefits through our union contract.
Professional Development: Postdoctoral researchers and scholars deserve assistance to advance their careers, and the union provides regular workshops and skills-sharing opportunities. Throughout the year, the union hosts and co-sponsors free events to help develop career paths as well as community among postdocs in different fields.
Dues are 0.85% of salary and are automatically deducted from members’ paychecks. If you’re not a member already, please take a few seconds to sign the electronic membership form.