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CBA Overview

This webpage provides a high-level overview of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between Northwestern University and the graduate student union (NUGW-UE Local 1122). The full CBA may be found on the homepage.

To ensure a smooth and transparent implementation of the CBA, the University has established a strategy team that will oversee the process. This team consists of representatives from central support offices (Office of the Provost, Human Resources, etc.) and members of each Northwestern school with student employees covered by the contract.

Northwestern community members are encouraged to submit questions or feedback during the implementation process through this online form. Members of the implementation strategy team monitor this form and respond to inquiries promptly.

CBA Overview

Bargaining Unit 
  • The bargaining unit includes graduate students currently enrolled in degree programs who are providing instructional or research services for the University
  • Among others, the following are excluded from the bargaining unit: undergraduate students; visiting students; graders, tutors and proctors who are not otherwise providing research/instructional services; students enrolled in the Pritzker School of Law (including JD/PhD students); students enrolled in the Medill School of Journalism; and MD-seeking students in the Feinberg School of Medicine (including MD/PhD students who are in their MD phase of studies)

Compensation Highlights 

 
  • $1,000 ratification bonus for employees in the bargaining unit at the time of ratification (March 15, 2024)
  • TGS base stipend rate of $41,000/year effective June 1, 2024
  • TGS base stipend rate of $45,000/year effective September 1, 2024
  • 3% TGS base stipend rate increase in Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027
  • Separate stipend increases for Kellogg PhD students and Bienen MM and DMA students
  • Annual increases in hourly wages 
  • $100 annual multi-purpose payment 

Benefits 
  • 100% individual medical insurance coverage for employees in full-funded programs
  • 100% individual dental insurance coverage for employees in full-funded programs
  • 100% individual vision insurance coverage for employees in full-funded programs
  • Increased TGS childcare grants
  • Access to adoption assistance
  • Access to senior and adult care support
  • Coverage of University’s Health Services Fee 

International Employees 
  • Support fund established for visa processing fees and related expenses, with individuals being reimbursed up to $1,500/year 
  • Employees may take up to five days off per year to attend visa/immigration proceedings for themselves or their family members

Time Off 
  • The University will maintain The Graduate School’s current Medical Leave of Absence, Parental Leave of Absence and General Leave of Absence Policies 
  • Employees who are sick or have been directly exposed to infectious illness shall not be unreasonably denied the opportunity to take time off work
  • Employees shall use best efforts to schedule vacation or personal time off during scheduled academic breaks 

Appointment Notification 
  • The University will provide employees with a letter of appointment at least 30 days before the appointment begins 
  • If such notice is not possible, the University will provide as much information as possible regarding the appointment in advance

Workload 
  • Employees shall not be compelled to spend more than an average of 20 hours per week on work not associated with degree requirements and academic expectations
  • Most work assignments should be carried out during weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except as otherwise specified in the appointment letter or established by mutual agreement

Labor Management Committee 
  • Representatives from the Union and the University will meet at least once per quarter to discuss matters of mutual concern relating to the parties’ collective bargaining agreement

Grievance Process 
  • A defined grievance process will be followed when a party believes there has been a violation of the agreement
  • A grievance is defined as "a disagreement arising under this Agreement and during the term of this Agreement concerning the interpretation, application or claimed violation of this Agreement"