PORTLAND, OR - Postdoctoral researchers represented by Oregon AFSCME at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) have announced an impasse following OHSU’s failure to produce a mutually acceptable agreement since the start of bargaining in September 2023. This decision comes after months of negotiations aimed at improving working conditions and securing fair compensation for the dedicated researchers.
"Our goal has always been to ensure that we [postdoctoral researchers] at OHSU are fairly compensated and work in an environment that supports our professional and personal well-being,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the study of Pancreatic cancer. “Unfortunately, we have not seen the necessary commitment to our research from the administration to make that a reality."
The primary issues at stake include competitive salaries that reflect the researchers' expertise and contributions to the advancement of clinical research and the university's mission. OHSU has offered zero salary increases beyond those set by the National Institutes of Health, the predominant funding source for research at OHSU. What's more, these federal minimums do not meet the cost of living in Portland or align with industry standards. Additionally, the researchers are advocating for resources and protected time for international employees seeking work authorizations and universal access to paid family and medical leave offered through state and federal programs. Access to these benefits would improve equity and retention of postdocs from underrepresented gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds. However, OHSU has failed to provide adequate improvements.
As a result of the impasse, both sides must submit their last best and final offers by this coming Friday, July 12th. Following these submissions, a 30-day cooling-off period will commence. As for what’s next, Paige Arneson-Wissink added “OHSU has us backed into a corner. If they’re unwilling to compensate us fairly for the work we do, we will have no other option but to take a strike vote”.
Should a majority of postdoctoral researchers vote to strike, a 10-day notice will be given to OHSU, indicating the start date of the strike. This significant step forward for the postdocs is reminiscent of the actions taken by their colleagues at Mount Sinai and the University of Washington, where strikes led to fair contract agreements.
OHSU has been a cornerstone of research and medical advancement, and postdoctoral researchers play a vital role in these endeavors. The university needs to address their concerns to uphold its reputation and ensure a supportive environment for all members of its research community.
