Joint Statement from Local 7902 and GSOC/Local 2110

GSOC/UAW Local 2110 and ACT-UAW Local 7902, would like to clarify the issue of union representation for graduate employees and adjuncts at New York University. GSOC/UAW is the union for ALL graduate employees at NYU, including those who teach, research, or perform administrative work. ACT-UAW is the union for adjunct faculty.

GSOC/UAW is currently engaged in a campaign to bring the NYU administration back to the bargaining table. In 2000, GSOC/UAW won collective bargaining rights for graduate assistants and negotiated an historic first contract. When that contract expired, the NYU administration refused to negotiate a second contract with GSOC/UAW.

Without ever consulting with ACT-UAW or GSOC/UAW, the University unilaterally implemented "FAR-4", notifying certain graduate employees that their jobs fall under the ACT-UAW contract, but leaving the majority of graduate employees without representation. We view this as an attempt to weaken the rights of everyone who teaches and does research at NYU.

GSOC/UAW and ACT-UAW believe that graduate employees deserve the right to determine who represents them - not the NYU administration. The majority of NYU graduate employees have consistently chosen GSOC/UAW to represent them in collective bargaining. ACT-UAW respects graduate employees' right to self-determination and their choice to join together as graduate employees with common interests to negotiate the best possible contract for ALL of the work graduate employees perform.

ACT-UAW stands in solidarity with GSOC/UAW for their right to collectively bargain with NYU. ACT-UAW will NOT collect dues or fees at this time from NYU graduate employees who have been unilaterally reclassified by NYU as adjunct faculty.

We are always stronger when we work together. If you are a graduate employee, we urge you to join GSOC/UAW Local 2110! For more information, call 212-529-2580 or email gsocuaw@gmail.com.