The duration of the strike is due to GSOC’s adoption of more democratic decision-making processes. Whereas the April strike was “paused” by the bargaining committee, the current strike is authorized through weekly polling of the rank and file. Every week for eight weeks, a majority of those withholding labor and a majority of those still working have voted to continue the strike despite pressure from the university and certain UAW officials. Furthermore, this strike is pegged to contract demands. Rather than being a largely symbolic demonstration of member support and willingness to strike, the past eight weeks have shown what it means to leverage labor power in bargaining. And it has been effective: On December 23, finally, Columbia has agreed to respond to the latest package proposal in writing.
The Nation: What Columbia Graduate Workers Are Asking For
