Scientists Protest Against Long Hours
In a field of intellectual rigor and exploration, scientists are being driven to the brink, thanks to growing expectations of long hours. Labor laws have traditionally cast a blind eye towards the research field, leaving scientists who labor in the lab and in the field questioning workplace expectations, asking if it is necessary to meet an often paltry credit line, or simply cut corners on cutting-edge research. This has led to a spike in all types of scientist protest, from the grassroots to the most visible scientific podiums, in an effort to ensure that their labor does not go unrecognized and uncompensated.
The Overtime Struggle
Adding to their misery is the common misconception that scientists are working on the cutting edge of science, so their long hours are simply a part of their job. This fails to account for the fact that scientists actually spend much of their time in administrative and other activities that have nothing to do with their specialty, leading to a tremendous amount of unpaid hours worked. According to a survey of 18,000 scientists conducted by the Federation of American Scientists, 8 percent put in more than 60 hours a week and 15 percent work “far beyond their contractual hours”.
The frustration among scientists has reached a fever pitch, with protests at many universities and science research centers around the country. The campaign against long hours has been pent up even longer, with some researchers having held out hope that the increasing visibility of researchers in the public eye might have shined a light on their struggles.
The Bottom Line
The core issue here is that scientists are being severely under-compensated for their long hours and hard work. In a system where scientific credit and resources are limited, and many ancillary activities require long hours of unpaid labor, scientists feel undervalued and over-stretched. Already underpaid according to the National Science Foundation, most scientists feel like their value is not being recognized, or worse yet, not being accounted for. This has led to a dearth of scientists willing to work for a fair wage, indicating an unsustainable path for research-driven progress.
Solutions to the Dilemma
Thankfully, solutions are emerging from grassroots efforts and from within the scientific community. What these solutions have in common is an honest conversation about working conditions and an emphasis on collective resilience. Better legal support, improved systems of recognition, better hours tracking, and flexible leave are all under investigation. It will take a shift in expectations and understanding of the burdens placed on scientists, especially over the long hours of their unpaid work, in order to fix the situation and make it right.
Equal Benefits and Compensation
In an effort to ensure that scientists are receiving the proper compensation for their work, employers and organizations need to provide scientists with the same benefits and compensation that they would expect to receive in any professional environment. That includes adjusted pay scales, bonuses, and flexible hours that allow scientists to take time off for sickness, vacation, and personal projects. Additionally, it calls for a greater investment in personnel and resources that properly acknowledge the value of a researcher’s work, including publicly-facing roles such as speaking engagements, or similar activities that can be sold for the benefit of the researcher.
Future of Scientist Protest
As for the far-ranging protest movement, scientists have boldly taken their message to the public, using marches, rallies, and petitions to draw attention to their plight. This dedication and advocacy from within the scientific community are showing results, with policy changes being proposed at universities and institutions making clear their commitment to valuing the contribution of scientists.
Whether the movement will be able to bring real change is still up in the air. All that is certain is that scientist protest against long hours is intensifying, and with the current political and corporate hurdles against the sciences, a solution requires greater public and political pressure.
All in all, scientists are facing an uphill battle as they strive to bring balance and fairness to the workplace. The current system is demanding long hours and lackluster compensation, with little public acknowledgement and zero recourse for fair treatment. Scientists, in turn have taken matters into their own hands, and are utilizing public campaigns, impactful social media movements, petitions, and legal avenues to promote their cause. Without proper legislation, policy changes, and proper recognition by employers, the progress these tireless workers make will be capped, and their hard work inexcusably undervalued.
