Research

Numerous studies find that working conditions and productivity are inextricably linked, and thus, addressing the many challenges workers face results in better outcomes for employers overall. Through the UAW, for example, academic workers have negotiated contracts that improved their working conditions, their lives, and the quality of their research.

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Gender Equity

Gender inequity – the fact that women academics, and especially those with children, are paid less, have less job security, face sexual harassment at a dramatically higher rate, and ultimately decide to leave the academy with much greater frequency than their male counterparts – is an issue of the gravest importance throughout academia. Half of women in science have experienced harassment or assault, according to a 2018 study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

From taking a lead role in calling out universities’ failure to address their sexual harassment crises, to aggressively pursuing workplace gender discrimination grievances, to winning paid parental leave, organized academic workers are taking on the systemic forces creating and perpetuating gender inequity, and winning.

Job Security

Another 2018 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine finds that qualified scientists lack sufficient opportunities to develop long-term research careers, which harms research enterprises. The report makes a number of recommendations to improve job security for career researchers, and thus the quality of their work, including:

  • Ensuring diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces; and

  • Creating career tracks with job security, clear paths for advancement and opportunities for professional development.

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Racial and Ethnic diversity

A host of research shows that more diverse research teams are more productive and creative. Yet, the current structures discourage underrepresented groups from pursuing careers in academia. A lack of diversity means lost talent, so by improving equitable treatment for academic workers, we improve the research system itself.

58%

OF WOMEN EXPERIENCE HARASSMENT

Fifty-eight percent of women in academia experience harassment and other forms of discrimination, and studies have found similarly high rates of bullying.

 

33%

faculty positions HELD BY WOMEN

In biomedical fields, women outnumber men in attaining Ph.Ds. but hold only 33% of faculty positions. For researchers from underrepresented minority backgrounds, this gap is even larger.

 
 

72%

OF AFRICAN AMERICANS REPORT UNEQUAL ACCESS TO ADVANCEMENT

In STEM fields nationwide, nearly half of women and 72% of African Americans report unequal access to promotions and career advancement.