Yesterday, during the President and Provost’s State of the University Presentation, we called them out on their disregard for our struggles as graduate workers. In their 40-minute presentation, they first highlighted some of the University’s notable achievements, such as being the “#1 value public university in New England” and producing high-caliber research. We all know none of this would be possible without our work. So, as they were about to begin their Q&A, we interrupted to remind them that graduate workers are the backbone of this institution, yet we’re still paid poverty wages. Then, we called on all graduate workers and supporters in the room to walk out. Dozens of graduate workers and faculty members followed, while the President and Provost tried to move on and pretend that nothing happened.
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This was a significant escalation, and we’re not finished. We need a living wage, and we will do everything we can to ensure that happens. However, we can’t do it without your help. We have two opportunities to get involved coming up:
- Bargaining Session, tomorrow 12 PM – 3 PM, MUB 338. All you need to do is show up. You can arrive late; leave early. Bring your work if you want. It doesn’t matter how long you’re there, just that you’re there. The University bargaining team will leave the room periodically so we can speak amongst ourselves, and it’s great to have input from more graduate workers.
- Organizing Committee Meeting, every Monday at 5 PM on Zoom. This is where we plan actions, such as the one we did yesterday, and figure out how we will win this contract. Everyone is welcome to join.
If you’re interested in attending future actions or getting more involved, just respond to this email or fill out this form and one of us will reach out!
In Solidarity,
UNH GEU-UAW Organizing and Bargaining Committees
