Categories: Updates

Update from today’s bargaining session!

Today, grad workers met with Penn admin for our second bargaining session! Based on the pressure we exerted in the last session, we were able to hold today’s negotiations in a larger room with chairs and ample space for observers to sit. We were thrilled to have dozens of grad student workers together showing management our power and numbers, and we look forward to seeing more of our coworkers at the next session on Wednesday, November 6th. RSVP here!

In today’s session:

We presented counter proposals on Severability and Travel.
We proposed 12 articles: Union Recognition, Union Security, Union Access, Training, Protections against Discrimination and Harassment, Job Posting, Intellectual Property, Health and Safety, Grievance and Arbitration, Freedom of Speech and Expression, Employment Records, and Access Needs.

However, we were disappointed that admin responded to only two of our four outstanding proposals from last session, Travel and Severability, and that admin declined to respond to the other two articles, Holidays and Workspace and Materials, until a later stage of bargaining. We hope admin will respond to more of our proposals on non-economic issues at next week’s bargaining session. We also hope to receive more timely responses to our proposals in future meetings.

When grads are engaged both at and beyond the bargaining table, we build the foundation for a strong contract. Having so many graduate workers in the room last week led to admin see our power and make tangible concessions in their counter proposals today. Packing the room at our next session – having as many observers as possible – is essential for getting admin to move in a timely manner towards a strong contract. Join future bargaining sessions, wear GETUP-UAW swag, and participate in future actions to win a strong contract!

If you are interested in participating in the process and winning a strong contract, join your co-workers at area organizing meetings on Monday November 4th:

Professional Schools and Annenberg: Monday 11/4, 5:30PM in GSE Atrium
Humanities & Social Sciences: Monday 11/4, 5:30PM in Lippincott 247
SEAS: Monday 11/4, 6PM in 3401 Walnut Room 534
BGS: Monday 11/4, 5:30PM in BRB 1412
Physical Sciences and Math: Monday, 5:30PM in DRL 3C4.

In solidarity,

The GETUP-UAW Bargaining Committee

Clara Abbott

Emily Aunins

Peter Bailer

Oishi Bardhan

Kal Brown

Eli Fastow

Adina Goldstein

Sam Herrmann

Austin King

Sam Layding