UQTR Postdocs Take the Dive! Unionization Wins Big
Well, well, well! It looks like the postdocs at the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR) decided it was time to rattle some academic cages. On November 15, 2024, a robust vote—so unanimous it could probably be mistaken for a synchronized swimming team—gave the thumbs up to unionization! Let’s unpack this juicy little tidbit, shall we?
“We are very proud to welcome UQTR postdoctoral researchers into the big AFPC-Québec family,” trumpeted regional executive vice-president Yvon Barrière. And why shouldn’t he be? I mean, who wouldn’t want to add a hundred postdocs to their crew? It’s like inviting all the cool kids to your birthday party—except instead of cake, you’re serving up improved working conditions!
So, what exactly does this mean? For starters, over a hundred postdocs have formed a bargaining unit under the Union Association of Student Workers of UQTR (ASTRE). The goal? To score a first collective agreement that ensures working conditions that—dare we say—don’t make them feel like they’re participating in a never-ending PhD program that also comes with a circus act. Yes, the academic world can feel like a big top sometimes, complete with clowns, juggling professors, and tightrope-walking expectations!
Now, I can almost hear the collective sigh of relief from postdocs everywhere as they realize this isn’t just more paperwork to wade through. They’re gunning for tangible outcomes: better pay, proper benefits, maybe even a coffee machine that doesn’t require an engineering degree to operate. Because if you’re researching the evolution of the lungfish, the last thing you need is to evolve into a coffee-deprived zombie!
And let’s not forget the vital side effect of unionization: solidarity. When postdocs stand together, they’re not just a bunch of individuals with PhDs in various states of caffeine-fueled panic; they’re a force to be reckoned with! It’s like forming the Avengers, except instead of saving the world from Thanos, they’re saving themselves from being paid in ‘exposure’ and ‘experience.’ Because, let’s be honest, last time I checked, ‘experience’ was not a currency accepted at the grocery store.
In conclusion, welcome to the future, UQTR postdocs! The union’s not just a group of folks sitting around a table moaning about how tough grad school was; it’s a powerful body ready to negotiate the terms of your academic servitude. So, raise your mugs of potentially over-brewed coffee and toast to a new era! Here’s to well-deserved breaks, realistic workloads, and let’s not forget, a working environment that doesn’t resemble a scene from ‘Survivor: Researcher Edition.’
November 15, 2024
AFPC-Québec proudly announces the induction of its new postdoctoral members from the University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières (UQTR), following a near-unanimous vote in favor of unionization. This significant decision was confirmed by the recent tally conducted by the Administrative Labor Tribunal of Quebec, signaling a strong commitment to collective representation among the postdoctoral researchers.
“We are very proud to welcome UQTR postdoctoral researchers into the big AFPC-Québec family,” says Yvon Barrière, regional executive vice-president. He added, “These new members will benefit from unique expertise thanks to the strength of our academic sector and our experience with postdocs, enabling them to pursue their research in an environment that values their contributions.”
More than a hundred postdoctoral researchers will now comprise a separate bargaining unit within the Union Association of Student Workers of UQTR (ASTRE). Their primary objective is to secure a foundational collective agreement aimed at significantly improving working conditions and rights for all involved, fostering a more supportive and equitable environment for academic research.
What are the key benefits of unionizing for postdoctoral researchers at UQTR?
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the significance of this unionization movement. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sophie Moreau, a newly elected representative from the UQTR Postdoc Union, to get her insights.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Moreau, congratulations on this monumental win for UQTR postdocs! Can you share what motivated your peers to push for unionization?
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you! The motivation stemmed from a collective realization that we needed to advocate for our rights and improve our working conditions. Many of us felt overwhelmed by the demands of our research without adequate support. Unionizing was our response to ensure that we have a say in our work environment—both in terms of pay and benefits.
**Interviewer:** That’s a significant step. What primary changes are you advocating for through this new union?
**Dr. Moreau:** Primarily, we’re looking for better compensation and enhanced benefits. Many postdocs are juggling multiple responsibilities with limited financial resources. Secure contracts that include health benefits, paid leave, and better pay are our top priorities. Also, we hope to implement supportive structures for our mental health and career development.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a thoughtful and necessary approach! How do you envision this union helping to foster solidarity among postdocs?
**Dr. Moreau:** Solidarity is key to our success. By forming a union, we can share experiences, challenges, and propose solutions together. It’s empowering to know you’re not alone in your struggles. Together, we can negotiate not only for ourselves but also pave the way for future generations of postdocs at UQTR.
**Interviewer:** And Dr. Moreau, what message do you want to send to other postdocs and academic institutions considering similar actions?
**Dr. Moreau:** I would say to my fellow postdocs: don’t hesitate to come together and voice your concerns. Unionization is a powerful tool for change. And to academic institutions, I urge you to listen and collaborate with us. Investing in postdocs through fair treatment and working conditions ultimately leads to greater innovation and progress within academia.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insights and for leading such an important charge at UQTR. We look forward to seeing how this union evolves and impacts the academic landscape.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time for us, and I appreciate the opportunity to share our journey.