As the situation with COVID19 continues to develop, we are committed to working toward the safety and wellbeing of all members of our campus and wider community. We have been encouraged by Columbia’s efforts to address the concerns of students and the public. We hope that the administration will take further steps to ensure the safety of research staff and other members of the Columbia community as the situation continues to evolve.

We would like to hear any concerns you may have about the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on your work. If you have been affected by COVID19 in regards to travel, work authorization, childcare, or unexpected changes to your working schedule please click here to let us know.

We also remain firmly committed to completing negotiations for our first contract by April 6. Unfortunately, Columbia has so far been evasive about its shared commitment to reaching an agreement in the next month. In a recent bargaining session with Columbia we reiterated our willingness to bargain twice per week through the month of March to maximize our ability to reach a full agreement. While reacting positively, Columbia did not accept our proposal, instead communicating publicly on March 2 that “Going forward, we will begin meeting twice a week as we resolve remaining issues.” So far, however, the Columbia team has only agreed to meet once per week.  

We will continue to work to hold them accountable to their commitment to put in the necessary time, energy and work to reach a fair agreement by April 6th.

In the meantime, please let us know if you can make it to our next bargaining session this Wednesday, March 18th at 9:30am. While you do not need to stay for the whole time, attending bargaining sessions this month is an important way to urge Columbia to make progress as we approach April 6.

Upcoming bargaining sessions:

March 18th 9:30 am-1 pm at CUIMC, Hammer LL10

Monday, March 23 from 1:30 pm-5:00 pm at CUIMC, Hammer LL106

Friday, April 3 from 1:30-5:00 pm at Studebaker, room 469

Tuesday, April 7 from 9:30-1:00 pm at CUIMC, Hammer LL106

Best,

CPW-UAW Bargaining Committee