GWC-UAW Local 2110 Members Rally and Announce Strike Deadline

Yesterday, Graduate Workers of Columbia-UAW Local 2110 held in-person and virtual rallies to mark two years of bargaining for a contract, saying that Columbia University's persistent stonewalling for these two years leaves them no choice but to escalate in their efforts to ensure decent conditions for student workers. At noon, members and supporters gathered at a masked and socially distanced in-person rally on the steps of Low Library. This event was livestreamed to include student workers and supporters across the globe.

Later that night, a second rally took place on Zoom, affirming the announcement of a March 15 deadline by which the workers will strike if a contract is not reached.

At both events, GWC workers shared testimonials about why they need a fair contract now. The urgency of this contract is recognized and supported on local and national levels, and elected politicians and workers from unions at universities across the country joined GWC to declare their support and solidarity with the fight. Last spring, GWC voted 96% YES to authorize the bargaining committee to call a strike if needed to achieve a fair contract. It is in Columbia’s power to avert a strike by giving GWC workers the contract they deserve after two years of bargaining. It is in the workers' power to secure decent working conditions and a strong first contract. Check out photos and videos from the rally and follow the workers' fight on Facebook and Twitter!