The Boston University graduate workers’ strike has now broken a decade-long record as it approaches its sixth month. The strike, which began on March 25, has become the longest union-authorized work stoppage among college or university student employees in the United States in recent history. The Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU) has been at the forefront of this ongoing labor dispute, demanding fair pay, better working conditions, and increased support for international students and those facing discrimination or harassment.
The Longest Strike in Recent Memory
At over 150 days, the BU graduate workers’ strike has surpassed the previous record held by the University of Michigan grad student instructors and staff assistants, who went on strike for about 147 days between March and August 2023. The sheer duration of the strike underscores the growing activism among unions, particularly student unions, in higher education. According to data from the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education and the Professions, the number of student worker bargaining units, including both undergraduate and graduate units, increased by 54 percent between January 2022 and July 2023.
The BUGWU members voted to form a union in December 2022 but have been unable to reach a contract agreement with the university since then. The strike officially began after eight months of negotiations, and as the walkout approaches its sixth month, the possibility of disrupting another semester is looming. With fall classes scheduled to begin on September 3, both sides are under pressure to reach a resolution soon.
Challenges and Controversies
Throughout the spring semester, the strike disrupted teaching and the delivery of final grades, prompting concerns about the academic impact on students. The national media initially covered the strike, highlighting controversies such as the university’s recommendation to faculty members to use artificial intelligence to manage course discussions, labs, and student feedback during the strike. Critics accused the university of attempting to replace graduate workers with AI technology.
In March and April, the BUGWU filed unfair labor practice charges against the university, alleging instances of harassment and theft of personal items from grad workers’ offices. The university spokesperson, Colin Riley, denied the allegations, stating that there was no merit to the charges. Despite the challenges and controversies surrounding the strike, the BUGWU has remained steadfast in its demands for a fair contract.
Union Resilience and Negotiations
As the strike continued into the summer months, reports emerged suggesting a decline in its momentum. However, BUGWU members and spokespeople for the Service Employees International Union Local 509, to which the grad workers union belongs, confirmed that the strike is ongoing. Nive Senthilvel, a union member and third-year Ph.D. student in the history department, emphasized the importance of reaching a strong contract, despite the prolonged strike.
With the fall semester approaching, union leaders are preparing for a potential escalation of the strike. Meiya Sparks Lin, a member of BUGWU’s bargaining team and a third-year Ph.D. student in the English department, expressed frustration over the lack of cooperation from the university in addressing the workers’ concerns. The union remains committed to its goals and is willing to continue the strike until a satisfactory agreement is reached.
Last-Minute Offers and Future Prospects
Recent developments have shown some movement on the part of the university in response to the union’s demands. BU’s new provost, Gloria Waters, announced an offer of an annual minimum stipend of $45,000 for doctoral students, along with 3 percent annual raises over a five-year contract. While this concession demonstrates progress, BUGWU members continue to advocate for additional support for international students and those facing discrimination or harassment.
Despite ongoing negotiations, a final agreement has yet to be reached between the university and the union. The future of the strike remains uncertain as both sides grapple with the complex issues at stake. As the BUGWU continues its fight for fair treatment and improved conditions, the outcome of the labor dispute will have lasting implications for graduate workers at Boston University and beyond.