Statement by the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Association regarding the Fair Labor Standards Act Ruling
To the editor:
The University of Michigan Postdoctoral Association (UMPDA) represents the entire postdoctoral community at the University of Michigan, which consists of nearly 1,400 postdocs in over 20 fields of study. University of Michigan postdocs generate immeasurable data to support publications, presentations and patents as well as support a myriad of funding mechanisms. Equally important, postdocs contribute to the University of Michigan’s mission statement of “creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge,” by teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.
As you are aware, the Department of Labor recently updated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), which governs the compensation of employees in the United States of America, including postdoctoral research fellows. As of December 1, 2016, employees who make less than the new threshold of $47,476 per year will be entitled to overtime pay in the amount of time and a half if they work more than 40 hours/week unless they are exempted due to certain job descriptions or duties. Postdoctoral fellows, whose primary job duties are centered on research, will be entitled to overtime pay if their salary does not meet this minimum.
The UMPDA applauds the efforts of the Department of Labor for their actions to ensure fair and equitable compensation. We also appreciate the storied history of a progressive and inclusive environment established at the University of Michigan.
Recently, President Schlissel has emphasized the University’s mission of “ensure(ing) that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment…diversity is key to individual flourishing, educational excellence and the advancement of knowledge.” The UMPDA believes that the University of Michigan now has the opportunity to stand behind this mission statement in response to the new FLSA ruling by expanding the compensation for postdoctoral research fellows. We propose the following action items:
1. Support the University of Michigan Postdoctoral Research Fellows by increasing the base salary for all research fellows to $50,000.
The UMPDA joins with the National Postdoctoral Association and our peer institutions, such as Stanford University, in making this request. Postdoctoral Research Fellows at the University of Michigan have proven time and again their unprecedented benefit to this institution. By advocating for higher wages, we are asking the University leadership to recognize their “return on investment.” By being proactive and making national headlines with such a generous policy, the University of Michigan will become more competitive with other institutions and benefit from the recruitment of premier postdocs. Faculty, both current and prospective, will understand the vital contribution of postdoctoral talent to robust academic programs.
2. Locate and/or generate bridge funding.
This bridge funding will sustain postdoctoral fellows in the interim period between grant renewals. It will prevent unnecessary consequences of the FLSA, such as non-renewal of postdoctoral fellowships. Given the critical roles held by postdoctoral fellows, the University must protect jobs as well as provide mentors and principal investigators with a viable method of supporting postdoctoral fellows during this transitional period.
3. Respond in a timely manner with a tangible plan of action to facilitate the changes that will comply with the FLSA ruling.
Timeliness is critical to help avoid unnecessary panic of both postdocs as well as their mentors.
The University of Michigan invests heavily in graduate education and training. Now is the time for this institution to invest in the next level of training, where the postdoctoral experience hones further skills critical for launching careers. The UMPDA strongly encourages the University of Michigan to not only support its postdoctoral fellows during this transitional period, but to act progressively and make its mark in history by establishing more robust policies as they relate to postdoc salaries and compensation as well as benefits and resources made available to research fellows.
The University of Michigan prides itself on training the leaders and best. By setting an example for other training institutions and acting as champions for postdocs, the university tangibly demonstrates its commitment to this standard. This is The Michigan Difference.
— Jose Larios, M.D., co-chair, U-M Postdoctoral Association
Tammy Barnes, Ph.D., co-chair, U-M Postdoctoral Association
