Strike FAQ

A strike authorization vote (SAV) is called by the bargaining committee and will authorize them to launch a strike. It must be passed by 2/3 of union members who vote, at which point the bargaining committee will set a strike deadline. If we do not reach an acceptable tentative agreement with the university by then, we will go on strike.

A strike is a coordinated work stoppage by workers to protest against low wages, unsafe working conditions, or unfair treatment in order to force the employer to meet the needs and demands of the workers. We will also be holding picket lines to raise the visibility of our strike.

During a strike, graduate workers stop teaching and/or paid research activities (we’re paid for 20 hours a week) to disrupt the workings of the university. The work we do can look very different across our campus, so many departments and labs are discussing exactly what specific labor to strike.

The university may cut pay to striking workers. The UAW provides strike benefits of  $500 a week for time spent doing strike duties to help reduce the financial impact of cut pay. If health insurance is cut, the UAW provides health coverage/COBRA health insurance for strikers. We will also run a hardship fund to further support workers who need more financial support, such as for rent, large healthcare expenses, or childcare.

This strike is protected by the US labor law, so it is illegal if the university fires us for it.

Yes, international workers have the right to strike under US labor law, and striking is not a political activity. There have been no instances of international academic workers facing visa issues because of union activity.

During a strike, the university may send out an attestation form to ask if we are still working, or ask PIs to report who is on strike. Striking workers should not fill out the form, and ask PIs to withhold names of striking workers. The university will know the impact of the strike through picketing + lost labor.

Many departments and labs are holding meetings to discuss the SAV and what striking will look like in their areas. If your area doesn’t have a planned meeting, contact us at [email protected] to be connected to someone to help you organize one.