What We Do

UCD-RSA SIPTU is an active, member-driven union, organizing to represent and bargain on behalf of research staff at UCD.

Members can be anyone with a research contract at UCD:  Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Scientists, Research Assistants, and others with a fixed-term research contract.

Our main goal is to work together to improve your work conditions:

• Establish universal conference travel funding,
• Ensure entitlements to salary progression are implemented,
• Enhance professional development support,
• Improve salary levels and reduce short-term contracts,
• Address isolation and lack of recognition.

How will we seek to improve our conditions?

• Collective power through membership: A union is only as powerful as its members - when a majority stand together, we can win meaningful improvements.
• Strategic, high-participation campaigns: We'll organize issue-based campaigns that demonstrate our strength and unity.
• Negotiations with UCD management: Through democratic decision-making, we’ll identify our priorities and negotiate for better working conditions and recognition—backed by the power of an active membership.
• Keeping it transparent and member-led: You’ll always know what’s happening at the bargaining table. Our union is democratic, and members are involved every step of the way—from setting demands to approving agreements.

Why should you join? (see Join Us)

• Members have union support and protection if workplace issues arise—whether related to conflicts with your PI, salary progression, or other employment concerns.
• Members can participate in events, connect with peers, and also influence the direction of researchers’ work conditions and career opportunities!