MEMBERSHIP AND DUES FAQ

Who is covered by this contract?

All graduate students enrolled in Cornell University PhD and Master’s degree programs at the Ithaca, Cornell Tech (Roosevelt Island) and Geneva campuses who receive a stipend from Cornell University to provide teaching or research services, in titles including teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants, and graduate research assistants.

Specific exclusions are listed in the recognition clause of the tentative agreement, and listed at the end of this document.

How do I become a member of CGSU-UE Local 300? 

To become a current member of the Union, you must sign a membership card and pay monthly membership dues. The easiest way to do this is to fill out a digital membership/dues authorization form. You must be a member to participate in the ratification vote. 

If you were previously a member, to become a current member, you must sign a new digital membership card. 

I am currently paying dues to CGSU-UE Local 300 voluntarily–do I need to continue paying those dues? 

We will stop collecting voluntary dues in the near future and institute dues collection as agreed upon in the tentative agreement.

What are union dues?

Dues fund a strong union that can win better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union dues go directly to CGSU-UE Local 300 to fund the training, support, materials, staff and other resources we need to maintain an independent, democratic, rank-and-file union.

How much are union dues for CGSU-UE Local 300?

Union dues are 1.44% of our gross monthly stipend. 

All teaching assistants, research assistants, graduate assistants, and graduate research assistants who receive the full benefits and protections of the contract, are required to either pay dues as union members with voting privileges or else pay equivalent agency fees. Our union constitution sets the amount for both dues and agency fees to be 1.44% of our pay.

Do I have to pay dues?

If you are covered by our contract, you can either become a member of CGSU-UE Local 300 and pay dues or, if you choose not to become a member, pay an agency fee to the Union. This fee, which is authorized by federal law, is equivalent to union dues and covers your fair share of supporting our effort to bargain collectively with our employer and improve and defend our working conditions. Non-member fee-payers forego all rights and benefits of union membership. Non-members can sign up to pay monthly fees through payroll deduction here.

Importantly, becoming a member of the union gives you the right to vote in union elections, run for union officer and steward positions, attend General Membership Meetings (GMMs), and participate in the decision-making and democracy of our union. Only union members are eligible to vote.

How can I pay my dues? 

The most convenient way to pay dues is by signing up for payroll deduction using the digital membership/dues authorization form. By filling out this form, your dues will automatically be deducted from your paycheck and forwarded to the Union. 

If you would prefer not to use this convenient method of automatic payment, you may pay your dues directly to CGSU-UE Local 300 on a monthly basis. 

When will dues start being collected?

We will begin collecting dues shortly after the contract is ratified. We will send out an email informing you of dues collection 4 weeks prior to the first dues collection.

I have questions about union membership, dues or agency fees. How can I get answers?

You can send us an email at communications@cornellgradunion.org 

Who is excluded from the bargaining unit?

  • All undergraduate students

  • Graduate teaching research specialists (GTRS)

  • Fellows

  • Graduate students seeking Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degrees

  • Graduate students seeking Doctor of Medicine (MD) degrees

  • Graduate students seeking Juris Doctor (JD) degrees

  • All students at all other campuses (including but not limited to Doha, Washington, D.C., and Rome)

  • Graduate students not seeking Cornell degrees (including visiting students)

  • Office clerical employees

  • Guards

  • Managers, professional employees and supervisors as defined in the National Labor Relations Act

  • All other employees