Columbia University in New York sent an email to 3,000 striking graduate student workers Thursday threatening to permanently replace them if they do not return to their jobs.
The email, sent by the university’s human resources department, stated that any striking graduate workers who return to work by December 10 will receive their normal letters of job assignments for the spring semester. These assignments will be handed out along with those to students who are currently working and did not choose to strike.
However, any striking students who do not return by December 10 could potentially lose their positions, according to the email. These workers will receive a job assignment only if there is a vacancy.