(NEW YORK CITY) - After 19 months of bargaining, Members of Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1104 Fordham Graduate Student Workers (CWA 1104-FGSW) have ratified their first Union contract, which Union Officials say is the result of Membership solidarity, patience, strength and action.

Fordham’s Graduate Student Workers mobilized and fought for a contract that sets industry standards in several areas and builds a foundation for future Union Members, the CWA said.

The contract covers an economic package representing a 39% increase from the current baseline in the first year alone and 3% annual raises for the life of the deal thereafter.

The CWA Members also won improved medical insurance coverage and the creation of a dental insurance plan.

Under their agreement, Graduate Workers now enjoy academic freedom and intellectual property rights to their course materials, the CWA said.

Setting a new industry standard, the contract bans Fordham from requesting Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from any victim of discrimination or harassment, inside or outside the Bargaining Unit.

And the contract effectively ends the silencing of harassment and discrimination for anyone at Fordham, an important win for campus safety, Union Officials said.

Setting another industry-leading standard, the contract also increases protections for International Graduate Student Workers and establishes an emergency fund to aid these Workers in times of acute financial hardship.

Over the past 19 months, the Fordham Grad Workers came together across departments to march, protest, walk picket lines, speak out in the press, speak with incoming and prospective students and highlight the essential role Graduate Workers play in the university, the CWA said.

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: Fordham Graduate Workers Win First Union Contract | CWA District 1 (cwad1.org)