On June 30 and July 1 the GWSLU Union Bargaining Committee met with the SLU administration team. Here’s the latest:
Over the past three years Saint Louis University’s graduate workers upheld our end— we continue to deliver the labor that has secured R1 status for our university—yet SLU reneged on their promise to raise stipends and extend minimum appointment contract lengths to $30,000/12 months (PhD) and $25,000/10 months (master’s). The administration blamed negotiations for their inaction, a false claim that we made explicit over email and at the bargaining table – our union has not and will not block SLU from making these improvements while we continue to negotiate a full union agreement. This broken commitment reflects a years-long pattern of treating grad workers as expendable and as afterthoughts.
But we are united, and we are making progress. On June 30, a bold contingent of grad workers confronted SLU’s bargaining team, demanding accountability. Dozens of workers joined the bargaining session and ten workers shared personal stories about how SLU’s broken promise will affect them and their families. We also made several contract language proposals and exchanged counterproposals with the admin team. By the end of the bargaining session of July 1, we secured two more tentative agreements with the administration—proof that when we stand together, we win. These victories include:
– Holidays: A clear policy ensuring grad workers are not required to work on university holidays and can celebrate holidays from any religion, with reasonable accommodations for replacement of observance days when work is required.
– Health & Safety : This will allow us to more quickly compel SLU to address shortfalls in SLU’s laboratory and building safety so that we can conduct research and teaching, in any field, without risk to our health.
These steps forward matter, but our fight is far from over. We are organizing not just for fair pay, but for a healthy working environment for all. This means a contract that protects our rights and reflects our value to the university—for SLU’s integrity, and for the recognition we deserve as essential contributors to the research and teaching that makes SLU an R1 institution.
Next Steps:
- Stay informed: Attend our next union meeting. We meet weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm through Zoom. Email us for the link and information. Hear updates and share your voice!
- Show solidarity at your workplace and social media. Talk to your coworkers about the union updates and amplify our cause through your social media. Follow the union account on Instagram!
- Prepare to act. If SLU continues to delay, we’ll need everyone’s support to demand fairness and take direct action. Reply to this email to learn more about how you can help!
Unity is our strength. Let’s hold SLU accountable and create a university that lives up to its promises.
The Bargaining Committee is meeting with the SLU admin again this week Tuesday through Thursday.
In Solidarity,
Ángel Flores, on behalf of the GWLSUU Bargaining Committee:
Ángel Flores
Carly Koppe
Celia McGhiey
Eileen Schaub
Ryan Powers