73 Legislators Urge Malloy to Recognize UMaine Graduate Worker Union

Last month, a clear majority of the roughly 1,000 graduate workers in the University of Maine System signed cards indicating their support for a union. And although recognition by “majority sign on” is already the standard process for Maine municipal workers, and has been used effectively in dozens of workplaces since its enactment into law in 2019, the university has not yet agreed to a fair process to verify majority support and recognize the union. 

“We are calling on the UMaine System to agree for a fair and expeditious process to verify that a majority of graduate workers have signed authorization cards in support of the union, and for them to recognize the union so that you and they can start the process of bargaining for a contract,” the legislators wrote. Read the full letter here. 

Despite performing the majority of teaching and research at the university, graduate workers face major challenges concerning pay, healthcare, childcare, discrimination, and more. A collectively-bargained contract would provide a democratic means of addressing these challenges and has the potential to make the UMaine campuses more equitable places to work. 

“There is a clear pathway for UMS to voluntarily recognize the democratic support for the UMaine Graduate Workers Union-UAW through existing Maine labor law,” said Amanda Gavin, a union leader and graduate worker. “We are so grateful to have the backing of so many of our elected leaders, and are hopeful that the university will recognize our union quickly so we can begin the process of collective bargaining.”

“The UAW International stands squarely behind these workers as they fight for a democratized workplace and a better quality of life,” said UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla. “The strength of their campaign and the scope of their support across the state sends administrators at UMaine a clear message: recognize their union and recognize it now.”

Graduate workers do critical research, teaching, and other work that has made UMaine an R1 research institution, is growing the USM campus in Portland, and helps the UMS make a positive impact on the people of Maine and beyond. 

“We are currently the only major subset of UMaine’s workforce that does not have union representation,” said graduate worker Vendy Hazuková. “The recognition of labor rights and a democratic say in our workplace is just as appropriate for graduate workers as it is for faculty, professional staff, and others who make the UMS work”.

Learn more online atumaine-gradworkers.org.