April 1, 2025

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• We signed our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that regular pay practices can continue uninterrupted.

• We have reached tentative agreements on 3 additional proposals. 

• We proposed articles governing discipline and discharge, grievance and arbitration, and union rights.   

Dear fellow grad workers,

During our bargaining session on April 1st, we signed the interim agreement with the university governing non-stipend payments for grads! This agreement allows students to receive payments for things like additional teaching, paid internships, and administrative duties. Additionally, we tentatively agreed on the preamble for our first contract, one article ensuring regular meetings between graduate worker representatives and the administration, and one article ensuring graduate workers can access their personnel files.

We also presented three new proposals to the administration: discipline and discharge, grievance and arbitration, and union rights. These articles are part of the framework that guarantees the rights and due process for our coworkers.

If you experience any changes to your working conditions or if your department suggests that compensation is held up or unavailable due to the bargaining process, let us know. Ordinary compensation processes should continue, including supplemental pay, reimbursements, travel support, etc. Email pittgradunion@usw.org with as many details as possible! 

Remember, if you are currently a TA/TF/GSA/GSR or fellow, sign your USW membership card online if you haven’t done so yet. If you have questions, feel free to reach out! 

In solidarity,  

Your bargaining committee  

Matt Nader (USW)
Nate Kilbert (USW)
Robin Sowards (USW)
Don Shaffer (USW)
Lauren Wewer, Chair (MEMS)   
Michaela Cushing-Daniels, Recording Secretary (SPIA)   
Keanna Cash (SOE)   
Greta Cheng (SPH)   
Aden Halpern (Economics)   
Alisa Omelchenko (SOM)   
Chi-Tsung Chang (English)   
Tori Bonidie (Physics & Astronomy)   
Hollen Tillman (SSW)