Information on the Upcoming Graduate Student Unionization Election

 

To: Members of the University Community

From: Ka Yee C. Lee, Provost

Subject: Information on the Upcoming Graduate Student Unionization Election

Date: January 10, 2023

 

I write to share an update about graduate student unionization efforts on campus. Last month, Graduate Students United - United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GSU-UE) filed an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by which it is seeking to become the certified bargaining agent for current and future graduate students who are engaged in teaching and research activities at the University of Chicago. With oversight by the NLRB, the University and GSU-UE have reached a stipulated election agreement.

 

The election will be held on Tuesday, January 31, and Wednesday, February 1, with voting open to eligible graduate students at several campus locations. Additional information about voter eligibility, the voting process, and timing and location details will be shared with eligible graduate students in advance of the election.

 

Supporting our graduate students is one of the University’s top priorities. I encourage all members of the campus community to learn more about the unionization process and consider the lasting impact on current and future graduate students a union would have. This webpage provides information about graduate education and unionization.

 

The University’s position is that unionization is not in the best interest of graduate students. The decision of whether to unionize ultimately will be made only by the eligible graduate students who vote in the election. I very much value and encourage open, respectful discourse on this issue, especially because reasonable people hold a variety of views on the advantages and disadvantages of unionization. I strongly encourage all eligible graduate students to vote.