After months of negotiations and tension between the university administration and graduate students over wages and benefits, a significant development occurred on Sept. 9, 2024. Graduate students, frustrated with their inability to make ends meet under the current contract, staged a protest during the senior administration’s open office hours, demanding action on their concerns. The protest highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among graduate workers, who were struggling with financial insecurity while balancing academic and research responsibilities.

Shortly afterward, in a major breakthrough, the graduate student union, represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), announced through an Instagram post that they had reached a tentative agreement with the university. The proposed contract includes notable wage increases, workload protection, and other improvements aimed at addressing the students’ long-standing grievances. This development marks a victory for graduate workers, who have been advocating for higher compensation and better working conditions for an extended period of time.

Despite the celebratory tone surrounding this tentative agreement, the union emphasized that the success was a direct result of the collective strength and unity among the graduate students. They underscored the importance of solidarity in achieving this outcome, particularly in the face of recent budget cuts that have led to the dismantling and defunding of various initiatives and departments across campus.

While the agreement is not yet final, it represents a crucial step forward after a period of uncertainty and tension on campus. The union remains vigilant, reminding its members and the broader university community that continued unity and collective action will be essential as they move toward ratifying the agreement and ensuring that the terms are fully implemented.