Postdoctoral Scholars Union Representation Information

Postdoctoral Scholars (Postdocs) play a dual role as fellows engaged in mentored advanced training and as employees or fellows contributing to UCLA's research programs. A policy, Academic Personnel Manual, Section 390 (APM 390) (PDF-175KB), acknowledges the distinct role of UC Postdocs, including a comprehensive benefits package comparable to the plan offered to Faculty/Staff.

Under the Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA), employees have the right to organize and form a collective bargaining unit.

The UAW, the union who represents Academic Student Employees (ASEs) at the University (Teaching Assistants, Readers and Tutors), is seeking to form a bargaining unit for postdoctoral scholars and researchers. Union organizers may circulate at the workplace and ask for signatures on a card.

You have the right to choose; however, signing the card is the same as voting “yes” for union representation.

The information below will help Postdoctoral Scholars and Researchers make an informed decision about union representation.

• Frequently Asked Questions About Union Representation (PDF-28KB)
• Union access to the workplace (PDF-12KB)
• Higher Education Employer-Employee Relations Act (HEERA)
• The Collective Bargaining Process
• The Negotiation Process
• The Representation Election Process
• The Decertification Process
• Existing Bargaining Units
• Fee Resource Implementation

Notice: University policies, procedures and applicable collective bargaining agreements shall supersede information in this document or elsewhere on this site.