Boston, MA – Today, Boston University Graduate Workers announced that they will vote for their union with SEIU Local 509. If successful, approximately 3,000 graduate workers would become members of Local 509, creating a pathway toward bargaining with the University over key issues they have named: living wages, workload protections, and more. They would join the nearly 20,000 human service providers, educators, and graduate student workers currently represented by the union. The union election will be held from December 5th-7th on BU’s Central and Medical campuses.
BU graduate workers publicly launched their union campaign on September 2nd. In October, they filed a petition for a union election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In order to file with the NLRB, at least 30% of workers must sign cards in support of a union. BU graduate workers filed with over 1800 cards in their unit signed.
The campaign has garnered strong political support. Last month, the Boston City Council unanimously passed a resolution supporting workers’ unionizing efforts. The resolution, introduced by Councilor Kenzie Bok, was originally co-sponsored by Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune and Councilor Liz Breadon. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley – a Boston University graduate – also expressed her support and met with workers shortly after they filed with the NLRB.
“Union elections are one of the greatest examples of workers coming together to build power and see solidarity in action,” says Marcelle Grair, Director of Organizing at SEIU Local 509. “BU graduate workers not only have strong support for their union from their co-workers, but from elected officials and community allies. We’re excited to begin the election process. By forming a union, workers will create more equitable working and learning conditions on campus.”
Graduate workers will fight for:
- Living wages
- Workload protections
- Improvements to health care coverage and costs
- Support for international students
- Better housing and living conditions
“Organizing alongside my co-workers has been incredibly inspiring,” says Alex Lion, a graduate worker in the Biology department. “We’ve built a campaign that centers worker voices and makes our priorities clear. Now, it’s time to channel that power and solidarity into voting yes for our union and make sure BU knows we’re united in our fight for workers’ rights.”
