UMaine Graduate Workers to Rally for Fair Contract —March 26
This coming Tuesday, March 26, graduate workers with the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union-UAW will rally at MLK Plaza at UMaine’s Orono campus to call on the University to agree to a fair contract. Seven months after graduate workers at the University of Maine System democratically formed their union, and over four months since starting negotiations, the university system administration has still not agreed to contract provisions to address ongoing issues around low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits, protections for international graduate student workers, and the need for a voice at work.
The workers will be joined by Maine state legislators, community leaders, and supporters.
“As grad workers we teach, grade and perform the research that powers the educational and research mission of the University,” said Em Sowles, a fourth year PhD candidate and Research Assistant in the Physics department. “In short, the Universities of Maine works because we do. But for too long, we have struggled with low and inconsistent pay, substandard health benefits and the need for a voice at work. Today we are asking the university to stop stalling and to agree to a fair contract, so we can focus on our students and our work instead of how to make ends meet.”
Rally Details:
What: A community rally to call on University of Maine System administrators to agree to a fair contract with UMS graduate workers.
When: 1:30pm on Tuesday, March 26
Where: MLK Plaza on the UMaine Orono Campus https://goo.gl/maps/gSzrN5hFrLWkN4oD8
Who: UMS graduate workers, state legislators, community allies and campus supporters.