Mission statement:
Our mission is to represent and advocate for postdoctoral research workers, while building an inclusive and collective community, in the pursuit of social and economic justice.
Represent
NUPU seeks to represent postdoctoral researchers to collectively bargain for a fair contract. We are committed to engaging in negotiations, enforcement, and the development of our contract, while also striving to include diverse perspectives and enhance working conditions for postdoc fellows.
Economic Justice
As a union, we are dedicated to negotiating a contract that ensures our members receive livable wages and comprehensive benefits. We are fully committed to considering important factors such as inflation and living wages while advocating strongly for our needs. Our goal is to alleviate financial hardships for our members during their appointments, enabling them to focus wholeheartedly on their research, learning, and career development. By providing fair compensation and benefits, we aim to actively support our members in their academic and professional growth.
Social Justice
NUPU acknowledges the wide array of life experiences and identities within our community and is steadfast in its commitment to create a profoundly equitable environment for its workforce. Our political actions are resolutely driven by the injustices our members encounter throughout their affiliation with the university.
Research, Education, and Career Development
NUPU acknowledges the unique position of postdoctoral research fellows as both workers and learners at Northwestern University. We also understand that being a postdoc is a career focused on training and development. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring our members receive the best possible compensation and working conditions. We actively advocate against any injustices that may arise, empowering our members to fully engage in research, education, and career development activities.
Advocate for
NUPU advocates on behalf of all postdoctoral researchers and strives to drive positive and meaningful change within our community. Our focus is on fighting for improved working conditions, conducive learning environments, and ample career development opportunities. Moreover, we stand up for underrepresented groups across the university, amplifying their voices and advocating for their needs.
Democracy
NUPU is unwavering in its commitment to being a democratic union. The strength and vitality of our union rely upon the active and wholehearted participation of our entire membership. It is our tradition and norm to be a member-driven union, empowering our members to play an integral role in shaping our decision-making processes, electoral procedures, and the cultivation of new leaders.
Community
NUPU is proud to be part of an inclusive movement that recognizes intersectionality and fosters a strong sense of belonging among postdoc researchers. We come together as a united workforce, transcending departments, disciplines, and university affiliations, while actively supporting cross-departmental exchanges. NUPU is deeply rooted in the communities where we work, including Chicago, Evanston, the state of Illinois, and the rest of the US.
Solidarity
NUPU is committed to cultivating a shared understanding and practice of solidarity among our members throughout the university. We firmly assert that our union presents a bold vision for social change, advocates passionately for underrepresented groups, and stands as a united force in times of injustice. Moreover, we actively engage in building strong solidarity with labor unions and the wider progressive movement.