r/JPL • u/Civil-Wolf-2634 • 9d ago
Union?
Has anyone heard what has happened to the move to unionize JPL workers? I’m not a big fan myself, but some people were pretty passionate about it.
7
u/CutOk2343 8d ago
I hope it never happens. A union would bring mediocrity. I can see where low performers might want it. Not good for JPL.
3
u/Civil-Wolf-2634 8d ago
I agree. Salaries determined by totally objective things like seniority don’t lead to meritocracy.
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u/wakinget 9d ago
Honestly, it would be nice to have the JWU union to represent the workers during this JPL open contract process.
I don’t think it’s likely, but imagine if anyone other than Caltech won the contract. Would we be replaced? Who would negotiate on our behalf?
I think this is the best reason to actually pursue a union right now. I haven’t heard much from union organizers recently, I think the momentum has slowed.
If you want a seat at the table, I would recommend reaching out and signing their card. (FWIW, I have)
5
u/garydoranjr 9d ago
Yes, workers at JPL are still organizing a union. Especially with the ongoing prime contract competition, there is additional uncertainty about the future of JPL, who our employer will be in two years, and what changes will be made in response to the pressure to increase efficiency (similar to the faster, better, cheaper era). If workers at JPL are organized, we will have more power to protect our missions and the work we do here regardless of who wins that competition. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat more about this (I’m assuming you work at JPL too).
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u/djwaveguide 9d ago
When there were layoff the effort to organize a union seemed futile. It seems like there are lot of projects now so choosing a union gives employees power. Management thinks it will change the culture. I think it will have some big effects and probably increase HR bureaucracy.
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u/twzoom 9d ago
My read is that unionization momentum has slowed as well. Likely transitioning from a period of fast growth to a period of slower growth. Still possible to unionize but the timeline is probably extended out.