(ITHACA, NEW YORK) – United Auto Workers (UAW) Members employed at Cornell University in Ithaca have secured a historic tentative agreement, which includes record wage increases of up to 25.4%, a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) and the elimination of the two-tier wage system.  The agreement also introduces significant improvements to policies on time off, uniforms, inclement weather and safety protections, UAW Officials said.

The agreement follows an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Strike by Cornell Workers, which forced the university to offer a contract that truly reflects the Workers' immense value, they added.

“Workers at Cornell were fed up with being exploited and disrespected,” UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson said. “This agreement is going to mean a better life for the people who make Cornell run.”

The UAW Membership at Cornell - made up of Maintenance and Facilities Workers, Dining Workers, Gardeners, Custodians, Agriculture and Horticulture Workers and others, have been facing declining real wages even as Cornell’s endowment has ballooned and tuition revenue has skyrocketed.  Over the past four years, Cornell’s endowment has soared 39% to nearly $10 billion and tuition has increased 13% - all while Workers’ buying power has fallen 5%. 

In addition, many of the Workers have had to move out of Ithaca to afford housing and must pay expensive parking fees to park on campus.

The wage for most at the University is less than $22 per hour, far lower than what economists estimate it costs for a family to live in the region.

The compensation for top administrators exceeded $12.4 million in 2022.

For weeks, the Workers ramped up their campaign to win a record contract.  They organized Red Shirt Days and held multiple rallies across campus, with community leaders and elected officials often joining them to offer their support.

Then on August 16th, Members voted by 94% to authorize a Strike and walked out at 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 18th, sending a clear message to Cornell that Workers would use their collective strength to stand up against their low-ball tactics.

“The Workers at Cornell used their power to push back on Cornell’s arrogance and win a great contract,” UAW Region 9 Director Daniel Vicente said. “They stood together and showed the University that they were willing to do what was needed to win what they deserve.”

The Membership will vote to ratify the package on Sunday, September 1st and Monday, September 2nd.

Cornell University Workers are the latest UAW Members standing up to the billionaire class.

Thousands of UAW Members have won record contracts in the last year, including Auto Workers at Daimler Truck, The Big Three Automakers, and Allison Transmission Workers in Indianapolis, Indiana.

To Directly Access This Labor News Report, Go To: UAW Reaches Tentative Agreement with Cornell University (prgloo.com)