Bargaining Update

Fordham University

Over 300 graduate student workers at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, members of Fordham Graduate Student Workers Union (CWA Local 1104), began a three-day walkout this Monday to demand a fair contract. The workers, who have been bargaining for almost a year to reach a first collective bargaining agreement, held rallies and picketed at multiple campus locations to call on the university to bargain in good faith.

The union’s bargaining team has made proposals to raise workers’ pay, establish protections for international students, secure adequate resources and benefits for student workers, cut burdensome student fees, establish just cause protections, prohibit the use of harmful non-disclosure agreements in harassment and discrimination cases, create a formal grievance structure, and much more.

Instead of working to address these challenges and meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable groups of the student population, the university’s leadership has chosen to belittle and dismiss the student workers’ concerns. Fordham graduate workers play an essential role in keeping the university functioning by performing critical tasks and they are committed to keep fighting for a fair contract that reflects the value they bring to the institution. During their public demonstrations, the workers were joined by supporters and allies, including elected officials such as Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller; Erik Bottcher, New York City Council Member; Jumaane D. Williams, Public Advocate for the City of New York; and Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President.

Graduate student workers at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, members of Fordham Graduate Student Workers Union (CWA Local 1104), held a three-day strike and public demonstrations to demand a fair contract after almost a year of difficult negotiations.

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Spirit Airlines

AFA-CWA Flight Attendants at Spirit Airlines voted to ratify a new contract earlier this month. The deal increases base wages 10-27% immediately for 6,000 Flight Attendants, with most receiving a pay increase of 40% or more within two years. In addition, the contract includes improved scheduling protections for the Flight Attendants.

“This contract will make an immediate difference in Spirit Flight Attendants’ lives,” said Jason Kachenmeister, AFA-CWA Spirit President. “While we navigate the proposed merger, Spirit Flight Attendants have locked in three raises, additional pay factor improvements, and better rest on layovers, all while maintaining our healthcare insurance with no premium increases. We also achieved significant scheduling protections and additional pay when irregular operations cause cancellations or delays.”