Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers Overwhemingly Authorizes Potential Strike

Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers voted Tuesday overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a potential strike following months of stalled contract negotiations with the University. The strike authorization vote passed with 91.5% support, signaling strong backing from the union’s membership to take action if negotiations do not produce a fair contract.

The vote sends a clear message that student workers are prepared to escalate if Columbia does not reach an agreement that meets workers’ core demands, including a living wage with cost of living adjustments, stronger workplace protections for non citizens, expanded healthcare benefits and a health fund, improved protections against discrimination and harassment, just cause protections against discipline or discharge, and stronger job security and union rights. Read more in Jacobin and the Columbia Spectator.