Pitt Graduate Workers Vote to Join USW

For Immediate Release: Nov. 22, 2024

Contact: Cheyenne Schoen, [email protected], 412-562-2446

Pittsburgh - University of Pittsburgh graduate workers today voted to join the United Steelworkers (USW) union.

The roughly 2,100 graduate workers organized to gain a voice on the job and the ability to negotiate over vital issues like funding security, stipend increases, protections against discrimination and harassment, improved family benefits, a voice in hours and conditions of work and affordable health insurance.

"My colleagues and I are a critical part of the research and education that makes the University of Pittsburgh a world-class academic institution," said Caroline Layding, a graduate researcher in Pitt's biostatistics department.

The Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board held an in-person election for the graduate workers over the past several days. An overwhelming majority voted in favor of joining the union.

"We are so proud to join the Steelworkers and we can't wait to meet the university administration at the bargaining table," said Layding.

The workers will become part of the 850,000-member USW, one of the largest labor unions in North America, which has its headquarters in downtown Pittsburgh. Staff at Pitt unionized with the USW in September, and faculty at Pitt unionized with the USW in 2021.

"Graduate workers provide vital contributions to the university community, and their efforts to achieve a seat at the table will ultimately provide widespread benefits as Pitt becomes a stronger place to work and learn," said USW District 10 Director Bernie Hall, who represents about 50,000 Steelworkers in Pennsylvania. "We welcome Pitt grads into our union and look forward to helping them bargain a first contract that reflects their work as researchers and educators."

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in manufacturing, metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in tech, public sector and service occupations.

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