UAW members at Cornell University have reached a tentative agreement, with the University.
According to a release from UAW, the deal includes record wage increases of up to 25.4%, a cost of living adjustment, and the elimination of the two-tier wage system. The agreement also introduces improvements to policies on time off, uniforms, inclement weather, and safety protections.
On August 16, members voted by 94% to authorize a strike and walked out at 10:00 pm on Sunday, August 18.
According to UAW, the membership made up of maintenance and facilities workers, dining workers, gardeners, custodians, agriculture and horticulture workers, and others, has been facing declining real wages even as Cornell’s endowment “has ballooned and tuition revenue has skyrocketed.”
The union claimed many of its workers have had to move out of Ithaca to afford housing and must pay expensive parking fees to park on campus.
“The workers at Cornell used their power to push back on Cornell’s arrogance and win a great contract,” said UAW Region 9 Director Daniel Vicente. “They stood together and showed the university that they were willing to do what was needed to win what they deserve.”
The membership will vote to ratify the package on Sunday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept 2.
There has been no statement from the University on the tentative agreement.
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