BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Graduate students at the University of Vermont have officially formed a union.
It comes after multiple days of hearings with the Vermont Labor Relations Board earlier month and a ruling against UVM administrators who had fought for post-doctoral fellows and post-doctoral trainees to be excluded from the bargaining unit.
Among other job security issues, Grad students have voiced concerns about the high cost of living, including a scarcity of affordable housing. Now, represented by the UAW Local 2322, the students will be able to advocate for themselves.
“Having a union means that for the first time we will be full participants in determining our own working conditions. I strongly believe this will make for a healthier, stronger UVM,” said a statement from union organizers.
The students held a rally last week to celebrate their anticipated union election.
Related Stories:
Dartmouth grad students, researchers stage walkout over stalled contract
