Postdoctoral Researchers at OHSU Protest No-Raise Proposal as University Plans $1 Billion Healthcare Acquisition

In recent years, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) has been facing negotiations with a newly unionized unit of around 250 postdoctoral researchers. These researchers are unhappy with the proposed wage offer of 0% raises over the course of a three-year contract. Despite their high level of education, postdoc researchers at OHSU currently earn an average of around $54,000, which is significantly lower than what they had expected when they joined the union in April 2023.

The union, represented by AFSCME Local 328, expressed their dissatisfaction with OHSU’s offer and called for better compensation for the postdoc researchers who play a crucial role in the institution’s research projects. In response to the no-raise proposal, members of the union picketed outside the building where negotiations were taking place on April 16.

Despite their efforts, OHSU has not yet agreed to increase wages for these researchers. However, universities in neighboring states like Washington and California have been providing supplements to these wages. This has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing discussions between the university and the newly unionized postdoctoral researchers.

As these negotiations continue, OHSU has also announced plans to acquire Legacy Health for $1 billion. This acquisition will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of these researchers and their work at OHSU. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: postdoctoral researchers at OHSU deserve fair wages that reflect their valuable contributions to the institution’s research projects in healthcare and other fields.