Statement on UAW 2300 Campus Workers' Strike by CGSU-UE Bargaining Committee

Dear CGSU-UE Members,

The bargaining committee of CGSU-UE stands in solidarity with UAW 2300 as they strike against Cornell for a new contract with fair wages, employee benefits, and a safer workplace. UAW 2300 is composed of over 1200 workers at Cornell who do crucial work to keep Cornell running, including custodians, groundskeepers, animal care attendants, food and dining service workers, greenhouse workers, gardeners, mechanics, and more.

As the cost of living continues to increase nationwide, Cornell has failed to pay a fair share to their workers and contribute sustainably to Ithaca and Tompkins County. Increased costs are foisted on workers, while Cornell reaps the profits of our labor. It is past time for Cornell to meet the needs of our community.

The workers of UAW 2300 demand a fair contract, with regular wage increases, longevity rewards, parking allowances, and safety in the workplace. They fight against the tier system that divides workers. Cornell’s most recent offer failed to meet these standards. In response, the service and maintenance workers have stopped their work and called a strike.

The fight of the service and maintenance workers for a fair and just Cornell is linked to our own. Cornell continues to stall in our own contract negotiations on crucial issues such as transitional funding, discipline and discharge, nondiscrimination, union shop, and academic freedom. Graduate workers at Cornell continue to bear the brunt of stagnant stipends, insufficient healthcare packages, and limited savings while being subjected to job insecurity, unjust discipline, and overwork.

We demand that Cornell heed worker concerns and meet strikers’ demands. It is the responsibility of Cornell to reach a fair agreement with UAW 2300. We commend the members of UAW 2300 for demanding a fair contract and choosing to withhold their labor. We are in solidarity with UAW 2300 in their contract fight!

We will be following up with an email with more information on our role in supporting our sibling union. Follow along on our Instagram for updates on solidarity actions!

Solidarity forever!

CGSU-UE Bargaining Committee