ITHACA — Over the past few weeks, the UAW has filed seven separate unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Cornell University, citing violations of workers’ rights and federal labor laws amid ongoing contract negotiations. The agreement, covering more than 1,200 workers, expired at midnight on Sunday, June 30.
In response to these charges, UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson stated, “Our members are the backbone of Cornell, yet the administration thinks it can divide us and intimidate us by distributing union busting talking points to managers and stomping on our rights. These unfair labor practice charges are a necessary step to keep Cornell in check. Instead of breaking our union, Cornell should be focused on negotiating a record contract without violating the law.”
The charges filed with the NLRB cite various violations by Cornell University, including but not limited to:
Retaliation Against Union Activities: The UAW asserts that Cornell University has engaged in retaliatory actions against workers who have participated in union activities or expressed support for the union.
Interference with Workers’ Rights: The UAW claims that Cornell University has unlawfully interfered with workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in other concerted activities for mutual aid and protection.
Discrimination Against Union Members: The charges cite discriminatory treatment against workers based on their union membership or activities.
Failure to Bargain in Good Faith: The UAW contends that Cornell University has failed to bargain in good faith with the union regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Cornell workers are demanding an agreement that reflects wealth Cornell has amassed and includes the long overdue fair wages and working conditions workers deserve.
The membership, made up of maintenance and facilities workers, dining workers, gardeners, custodians, transportation workers and others, are facing declining real wages even as Cornell’s endowment has ballooned and tuition revenue has skyrocketed. Over the past four years, Cornell’s endowment has soared 39% to nearly $10 billion and tuition has increased 13% – all while workers’ buying power has fallen 5%.
On the heels of the UAW’s historic Stand Up Strike and record contracts with the Big Three automakers, and as tens of thousands of workers across the country continue organizing to join the UAW, workers at Cornell University are standing up for fair pay, cost of living adjustments (COLA), and a better future for the working class.
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