UNION SHOP FAQ
What is union shop?
Union shop is a contract mechanism that ensures universal membership and ensures that everyone pays their fair share, forming the base of the strength and longevity of our union.
Union shop includes two important pieces. First, union shop allows for universal membership, meaning that all grad workers can become members. Since everyone is covered by the contract, the most fair provision is one where everyone is a member and has a say. All grad workers should have a say in their working conditions and the contract that will affect them. This is why we formed a union and why universal membership is so important to ensure the most democratic union possible.
Further, by providing a pathway to universal membership, union shop creates a lasting union structure and stable membership. This gives us the security and longevity to enforce our contract and fight for a stronger second contract.
Second, union shop ensures that every grad worker pays their fair share. This is practical because we need leverage, resources, and organized support to enforce our contract. Union shop ensures everyone pays their fair share as a condition of employment. Since every grad worker, regardless of member status, benefits from a strong union contract, it is only fair that every grad worker pays their fair share. Everyone contributes, and everyone benefits.
Ultimately, union shop ensures the strength and longevity of our union by allowing for universal membership and ensuring that every grad worker pays their fair share into our contract.
HOW COMMON IS UNION SHOP?
All other unions on Cornell’s campus have union shop. Union shop is standard for grad shops (MIT, Northwestern, UChicago, Stanford, JHU, USC, etc). Union shops have stronger contracts, higher wages, and better workplace protections.