Graduate Student Unionization Election Scheduled for Jan. 10-11 (Staff Message)

Dear staff,

We write today with an update about an upcoming election to determine whether Northwestern graduate students will be represented by a labor union, the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE).

During the time since UE filed a Petition for Election in November, the University and UE have worked together and with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to reach an agreement on the details for a secret-ballot election that will determine whether a majority of eligible graduate students wish to be represented by the UE union. Today, we share that the University and UE, with the NLRB’s input and approval, have reached an agreement about the details of the election, which will take place Jan. 10-11 on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. Per the NLRB, all voting will take place in person and there is not a mail-in option.

As part of its informational efforts regarding the election, Northwestern has established a graduate student unionization website, hosted a graduate student unionization information session and shared messages with graduate students and faculty. With details of the election now finalized, we want to be sure all members of our staff also are aware of the latest information on this topic. If you have questions, we encourage you to submit them via our online form.

Northwestern deeply values the contributions that graduate students make to its research and teaching missions, and we are proud to provide firsthand experiences that serve as excellent preparation for a range of career outcomes. While our graduate students consider whether to vote for or against unionization, the University remains steadfast in its commitment to support, mentor and prepare graduate students for future success.

Thank you,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and Professor

Kelly Mayo
Dean of The Graduate School and
Associate Provost for Graduate Education