The recently unionized group of around 250 postdoctoral researchers at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) are unhappy with the proposed wage offer of 0% raises over a three-year contract. These researchers, who are funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and paid based on a federal formula, have been lobbying for better compensation.
In response to the no-raise proposal, members of the union picketed outside the building where negotiations were taking place on April 16. The union, represented by AFSCME Local 328, expressed their dissatisfaction with OHSU’s offer and called for fair wages that reflect the valuable contributions of these researchers to the institution’s work in healthcare and research.
Despite their high level of education, postdoctoral researchers at OHSU currently earn an average of around $54,000, which is significantly lower than what they had expected when they joined the union in April 2023. The union is pushing for fair wages that reflect the crucial role these researchers play in OHSU’s research projects.
As these negotiations continue, OHSU has also announced plans to acquire Legacy Health for $1 billion. This adds a 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.
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