Saying it is a “major win for higher education workers,” UAW members at Cornell University have voted by 77% to ratify a new four-year contract. According to UAW, the contract secures wage increases of up to 25.4%, a groundbreaking first-time cost-of-living allowance increase, and the elimination of the two-tier wage system. It also introduces significant improvements to policies on time off, uniforms, inclement weather and safety protections.
The deal comes after workers at Cornell, made up of maintenance and facilities workers, dining workers, gardeners, custodians, agriculture and horticulture workers and others, went on strike August 18.
“The membership was ready to do things differently in these negotiations, and they built the collective power to force Cornell to say ‘Yes’ to a truly unprecedented contract,” said UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson. “We united around a clear set of demands and won a great agreement that rewards our work, enhances workplace safety, and will improve our members’ lives.”
Workers returned to work last night.
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