This Wednesday, over 140 of us gathered in Haven Plaza to send a clear message to Columbia! We do not accept their proposal. We want institutional support for research, living wages, recognition for fellows, protections for our research work, and better childcare benefits – and we are not afraid to authorize a strike to hold the university accountable.
When they said 30-50 people showed up, this is how many were there:
A strike authorization vote is a democratic vote whereby union members vote on whether they authorize a strike. It is not a strike. If we vote yes, a strike can be called at a later time by the bargaining committee.
We need YOU to help organize and coordinate so that everyone knows what is happening and gets their voice heard by voting in the SAV! Sign up to help here! and read below.
✊✊🏿✊🏾✊🏻Why do we need a Strike Authorization Vote?
A strike authorization vote is a signal to Columbia that we are serious about our demands, and is a key next step in escalating our pressure to get a new contract!
- We have several key victories in our negotiations so far, however, the current overall offer on the table is greatly insufficient.
- We presented our demands at the bargaining table, shown strength and determination with events, the petition to the president signed by 600 of us) – but the Columbia administration has not moved on key demands. A next key step to escalate pressure is to hold a strike authorization vote.
🗳️🤔What does a Strike Authorization Vote Mean?
A strike authorization vote is a democratic vote whereby union members vote on whether they authorize that a strike could be called by the bargaining committee. CHECK OUR FAQs TO LEARN MORE
💥💫What do we need for a successful SAV?
We need YOU to help organize and coordinate so that everyone knows what is happening and gets their voice heard by voting in the SAV! Sign up to help here!
Voting will begin on August 7th. This is an all-hands on deck situation – and we need YOU to succeed!
- We need people who are not yet members to officially become members: Only current members of the union can vote in an SAV.
- We need everyone to help organize their colleagues to vote in the SAV and to know why the bargaining committee and hundreds of active members are voting “Yes”.
Will you commit to voting in favor of a Strike Authorization? Sign Here to Help Organize!
🗣️👀What’s happening with bargaining? 👀🗣️
Our next bargaining sessions are on Monday, July 31st (10 am @ Studebaker 469), and Tuesday, August 2nd (10am @ Hammer Building) – RSVP
The bargaining committee needs your feedback!
- Negotiations continue as we prepare for a strike authorization vote.
- On Monday, your bargaining committee has a potential proposal they are planning to present to Columbia, and they’d like to hear your thoughts on it! Add your comments to the proposals for our next bargaining session here!
One tool we can use in negotiations is to put forward what is called a “supposal” – a package of proposals together in which agreement on one article depends upon agreement in another. This usually involves agreeing to a concession in one area with the assurance that it will leverage a guarantee on another issue. Your committee is considering offering the following package:
- Lowering our current proposed salary minimum from $82k to $75k, so long as it is agreed upon:
- A childcare stipend of $10k per kid (not per family) will be included, and
- A housing stipend of $7.5k will be included (for a total compensation of $82.5k)
What do you think of this package? Please submit your feedback at this link by 12pm Sunday, July 30th, so that there is time to review and act accordingly!
In Solidarity,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Organizing Committee.
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