2023-2026-PRO-CBA-Final_07.23.2024

Every few years, PRO and UMass Amherst negotiate over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the contract that spells out the wages, working conditions, and benefits that postdocs receive. You can read our NEW 2023-2026 CBA here! Highlights include:

• 17.5% wage increase effective 7/1/24 (new starting salary minimum $61,008 for postdocs with 0-2 years of experience)
• 3% raise effective 9/1/25 (new starting minimum $62,838 for postdocs with 0-2 years of experience)
• Lump sum equivalent to 5% of each bargaining unit member’s salary to be paid out within 60 days of ratifying the new contract
• New professional development fund of $10k 
• Relocation reimbursement fund for new postdocs ($15k)
• Mandatory union orientations for postdocs (with a committee to work out the details of implementation) 
• Notice of essential employee status to be included in appointment letters
• Increase to visa reimbursement fund from $15k to $28k plus expansion of what can be reimbursed by the fund
• Contributions to Health and Welfare Trust fund for dental and vision (per-employee contributions up from $18 to $24 over the life of the contract; $10k lump sum payment into fund in first year)
• Contributions to childcare reimbursement increased from $375 to $500
• 3 additional personal days (bringing the total to 20 for postdocs)
• University cost-sharing for insurance premiums to increase for families to 85% (up from 75%) over the life of the contract