February 25, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• We presented four contract proposals to the administration, which would set out some of the basic provisions of our first contract. We expect to receive responses before or during the next bargaining session. 

• We began negotiations on an interim agreement with the university on the current status of grad workers.

• We set the date for our next bargaining session.

Dear colleagues, 

During our first bargaining session on February 25th, we presented four proposals to the administration that will begin to establish the framework for our first contract. The proposals included establishing the purpose and nature of the eventual contract. We also proposed language to ensure grad workers are able to access their personnel files and outlined procedures governing Union dues. 

The administration indicated they would be ready to respond to these proposals before or during the next bargaining session, and we will strive to reach tentative agreements on them and keep moving this process forward as swiftly as possible.   

We also made progress on some aspects of an interim agreement with the university about supplemental payments for grad workers, which we will continue to negotiate at our next bargaining session on March 21st. These include payments for additional teaching, paid internships, and administrative duties. 

We will continue to work hard to get an interim agreement in place as quickly as possible. If you experience any changes to your working conditions in the meantime, please reach out to jebrown@usw.org with as many details as possible.  

In solidarity, 

Your bargaining committee

Matt Nader, USW District 10
Lauren Wewer, Chair (MEMS) 
Michaela Cushing-Daniels, Recording Secretary (GSPIA) 
Keanna Cash (SOE) 
Greta Cheng (SPH) 
Aden Halpern (Economics) 
Alisa Omelchenko (SOM)  
Chi-Tsung Chang (English) 
Tori Bonidie (Physics & Astronomy) 
Hollen Tillman (SSW)  
Nate Kilbert, USW Legal Department
Brad Manzolillo, USW Organizing Department