Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs Ratify Standard-Setting Contract After Strike Threat

On the eve of their October 30, 2025, strike deadline, Weill Cornell Medicine Postdocs United-UAW (WCMPU-UAW) reached a tentative agreement for a first contract with Weill Cornell Medicine management, winning necessary guardrails around layoffs and a ratification bonus in the final session. This agreement, which was ratified by a 99.2% margin with a supermajority of postdocs participating in the ratification vote, includes new salary rates that will make postdoc minimum salaries at WCM among the highest in the country (see the full contract here).

It also establishes a number of new workplace rights for researchers that make WCM more equitable and inclusive, including protections against unfair termination, new rights for international workers, neutral resolution of grievances, stronger protections against discrimination, harassment, and bullying, paid parental leave, and enforceable rights to quality housing.

These incredible victories were made possible by strong organizing toward a potential strike—including strike prep workshops, picket shift sign-ups, political advocacy, and more. Congratulations to the Weill Cornell Postdocs Union!