(THE BRONX) – Members of Fordham Graduate Student Workers Union-Communications Workers of America (FGSW-CWA) Local 1104 have voted by an overwhelming 98% super-majority to give Union Leaders the authority to call a Strike if negotiations between FGSW-CWA and University Leadership fail to reach a fair settlement.

FGSW-CWA Members have spent 19 months attempting to negotiate a contract as Fordham’s Bargaining Team continues to delay and fail to offer proposals in line with other universities, Union Representatives said.

Top economic issues include stipends and health insurance subsidies and the high fees University Management charges to Graduate Students.  

Fees can cost Student Workers 15% of their pay - and pay, in real wages, has been cut by 9.5% over the last six years.

Fordham Graduate Student Workers currently have among the lowest pay in the Nation, when adjusted for the local cost of living.

As a result, Fordham is losing top candidates for its Grad Programs because of low pay and high fees, Union Officials said.

CWA Local 1104 President Mike Ippoliti: “It is disappointing that a top-ranked Catholic University refuses to recognize the value of our Graduate Workers when it comes to wages and health care in one of the most expensive cities in the country.  Our Members have been extremely patient through nearly two years of negotiations, but now we are willing to sacrifice and Strike, if necessary, for a fair and livable contract.”

Apa Duenas, a Member of the FGSW-CWA Bargaining Committee, said: “The results of this Strike Authorization Vote show us and the University that Workers at Fordham are done waiting for them to meet very reasonable demands.  Our strength lies in our unity and we’re united in our willingness to walk out and show management who makes this University run.”

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Fordham Graduate Student Workers Vote for Strike Authorization | Communications Workers of America (cwa-union.org)