Grad workers move admin on non-economic articles

Today’s half-day bargaining session began with three Tentative Agreements: Entire Agreement, Union Rights, and Appointments. These wins are the result of our ongoing escalation to secure a fair contract for workers. Union Rights ensures that grad workers can be informed of our rights and protections under the contract, and that we can have space to organize union activities. The Appointments article ensures that the university communicates clear expectations for graduate workers’ semesterly appointments, and makes reasonable efforts to retain workers if unexpected circumstances affect their appointment.

It is clear that Penn admin is moving faster in response to our escalation. However, with admin’s lack of response on Support for International and Immigrant Workers and Recognition, and the minimal compensation they are proposing, we still have so much more to fight for.

During today’s session:

• Penn admin passed a package proposal with these non- economic articles: Entire Agreement, Union Rights, Appointments, as well as a counter proposal on Transit and Parking

• Graduate workers passed back counter proposals on Leaves, Vacation, Healthcare, Tuition and Fee Remission.

• We reached Tentative Agreements on Entire Agreement, Union Rights and Appointments.

It’s time to build on this momentum to keep pressuring Penn admin on compensation. If you agree that Penn’s proposed wages for us are unacceptable, sign a strike pledge today! As Penn admin continues to undervalue our labor, we must act collectively to win the fair contract we deserve.

In solidarity,

The GETUP-UAW Bargaining Committee

Clara Abbott

Emily Aunins

Peter Bailer

Oishi Bardhan

Caitlin Frazee

Katelyn Friedline

Sam Herrmann

Jimmy Kelliher

Sam Layding

George Lin

Jancarlos Montoya

Clancy Murray

Izzy Navarro

Josh Ofili

Rosie Poku

George Porter

Caleb Scott-Joseph

Guru Shabadi

Anne-Marie Zaccarin