UConn’s Board of Trustees has approved a tentative agreement for a four-year collective bargaining contract covering the University’s approximately 160 postdoctoral research associates at the Storrs and regional campuses, excluding UConn Health.

This is the first contract between UConn and the bargaining unit, known as the Postdoctoral Research Associates Union, International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) Local 6950 (UAW-Postdocs).

The negotiations took place over the course of slightly more than a year. Union members ratified the agreement prior to its presentation before the Board of Trustees for approval at a special meeting on Monday, March 9.

The trustees’ vote means the agreement will be submitted to the state General Assembly. If approved, the collective bargaining agreement will be in effect through June 30, 2024.

“We approached these negotiations with the agenda of creating an agreement that would permit research at the University to thrive and grow while being fiscally competitive to grant funding organizations,” President Thomas Katsouleas said in his memorandum transmitting the agreement to trustees for their consideration.

Postdocs are researchers who hold a doctoral degree or equivalent, and are appointed on either an individual research grant from an external sponsor or with department/school resources paid by the university.

Postdoc appointments are temporary and for a fixed duration, typically for one year and no more than five total years. The individual is considered an employee of the university, eligible to receive compensation for the services performed during their appointments.

Some specifics in the agreement, if approved, include: