Graduate Student Unionization Update (Faculty and Staff Message)

Dear colleagues,

As a result of an election that took place in January, Northwestern and the new graduate student union will engage in collective bargaining over pay, benefits and other working conditions for graduate students in the bargaining unit. Negotiations between the University and union representatives began earlier today and will continue until a collective bargaining agreement is finalized.

Collective bargaining typically is conducted through a series of meetings during which representatives of the union and Northwestern exchange written proposals for a collective bargaining agreement (also called a “union contract” or a “labor contract”). Northwestern will be represented by select faculty members, University administrators and outside counsel throughout these negotiations. The negotiations for an initial contract can sometimes take months or up to a year or longer.

During the negotiation period, the University must maintain the status quo with respect to graduate students’ terms and conditions of employment. Generally speaking, this means Northwestern cannot unilaterally change aspects of graduate students’ appointments (including pay and benefits) without prior discussion with the union. Faculty and staff members continue to have the same right to speak freely and express opinions about unions and unionization, while avoiding any threats, coercion or promises of benefits.

We have made modest changes to the graduate student unionization website to reflect this new phase. Of note, collective bargaining generally is not a public process, but we will provide updates as appropriate in the months ahead. If you have questions or feedback, we encourage you to submit them via our online form or to reach out to your unit head or dean’s office.

It is important to recognize that all parties share common goals in the successful recruitment, training and placement of our outstanding graduate students. We look forward to a respectful and productive negotiation.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Hagerty
Provost and Professor

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