Research and Lab Labor Empowered
We are a movement of research and lab staff at Johns Hopkins University organizing a union to win dignity, respect, and a contract.
In labs and offices across the university, staff workers are an essential part of the world-class research happening at JHU. We are affiliated with United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers (UE). We share their belief that unions are for everyone and that a member-led and organized union is the best way to achieve wins for workers.
Why unionize?
A union contract guarantees a minimum baseline of compensation, workplace expectations, and protection for research staff members across campuses.
Without a contract, the administration does not have to consult us about changes to our labor conditions and can roll back past wins over time.
Once you are in a union, there is always somebody there to back you up.
Our issues
We've conducted over 1,500 face-to-face conversations with research staff members to learn what matters to us. Here are some of the biggest issues we've heard.
- Fair compensation
- Transparent career paths
- Job security and transitional funding
- Uniform job descriptions
- Commuter benefits
- Overtime pay
This is not an exhaustive list. We're fighting to protect all of our current benefits, and for improved tuition remission, retirement benefits, increased support for parents and caregivers, better insurance, and more.
Read our full platformGet involved
Our exact bargaining proposals will be shaped by more input from research staff once we win our union election and are preparing to sit down with the administration. Make your voice heard.