Cornell University workers, represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 2300, initiated a strike the night before fall semester move-in, creating a major disruption as new students began arriving on campus. This action follows a prolonged period of negotiations after the previous agreement expired on July 1.
The labor dispute began in April and involves approximately 1,200 Cornell workers, including cafeteria workers, custodians, and groundskeepers whose daily contributions are vital to the smooth functioning and upkeep of the university’s expansive campus.
Negotiations between UAW Local 2300 and Cornell have been fraught with challenges. The union has been advocating for significant wage increases, including substantial cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) to address inflation and rising living costs. Their demands call for a 25% wage increase over four years, reflecting their concerns about fair compensation in the face of economic pressures.
Cornell’s responses to these demands have been a central point of contention. While the university has proposed wage increases and introduced COLA provisions in their offers, the proposed increments have not met the union’s expectations. The latest offer from Cornell includes a 17.5% wage increase over four years, which the union argues is insufficient.
The workers’ demands are based on their assessment of the rising cost of living, the need to secure a fair wage that reflects their contributions to the university’s operations, and Cornell’s $10 billion endowment.
Cornell argues that their offer is a reasonable compromise, pointing to its substantial endowment and overall financial health as evidence of its commitment to fair compensation, and emphasizing that endowment funds are often designated for specific purposes.
At around 10:00 PM on Sunday, UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson announced the strike to workers and their supporters gathered on campus after a period of intense negotiations between union officials and Cornell representatives. Night laborers stopped mid-shift and walked out.
In response to the strike, Interim Provost John Siliciano and Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Christine Lovely issued a joint statement on Monday, calling on other university employees to take on temporary shifts and alternative assignments, saying, “The responsible management of the University’s resources still makes Cornell one of the best employers in the region and state with salaries outpacing local competitors.”
This strike at Cornell represents the first major labor action in decades, underscoring a significant and rare moment of disruption within the institution.
Community members and local politicians have voiced their support for the striking workers, reflecting wider recognition of the issues at stake. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing negotiations expected to continue in hopes of reaching a resolution that addresses the concerns of the workers while balancing the university’s financial constraints.
