WHAT WE’ve DONE

To win a strong second contract, we need experienced and qualified leadership that is well-versed in our contract, MIT’s tactics, and the highest standards being set across other graduate worker contracts. 

Our slate has a combined 28 years of experience in union organizing and contract enforcement. Specifically with the leadership of slate members, our Local has:

    • Established a steward network with nearly 100 graduate workers who are trained to address workplace issues at the department and campus-wide level.

    • Built union membership across all departments, especially in departments previously less involved. 

    • Oriented thousands of incoming graduate workers regarding their rights and protections.

    • Invested in organizing resources to prepare for our second contract fight while building out the strike fund.

    • Reclaimed tens of thousands of dollars in backpay and missing contract benefits, such as the T-pass subsidy, dental benefits, international worker grant, and missed pay after graduation.

    • Led grievances and issue campaigns during contract enforcement related to:

      • Unjust discipline and lack of due process related to free speech and protest rights, winning back the unjust termination of over a dozen workers

      • Appointment security for international workers facing unreasonable expectations

      • Access to gender-neutral restrooms

      • More inclusive data practices for gender and pronoun fields across MIT systems

      • Masters to PhD designation changes in DMSE that was accompanied by a mid-contract raise

      • Sinophobic remarks attacking Chinese international scholars

    • Enforced our union security clause to assure MIT respects our agency shop and our union has the financial resources needed to stay strong.

    • Organized against Trump’s compact to higher education by bringing together over 25 campus organizations and leading the collection of nearly 900 signatures that called on MIT to refuse the compact.

    • Rapidly provided Know Your Rights trainings regarding ICE and international worker protections.

    • Participated in Kill the Cuts actions called to fight the attacks on federal funding for research and education

    • Strengthened connections with other unions, including those on campus, other locals in our national union UE, and others in higher ed.

    • Participated in actions on May Day 2025 and the first Labor Day Parade in Boston history

    • Advocated for stronger graduate worker provisions at the state level, such as paid family and medical leave.