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The '''2024 Boston University strike''' is an ongoing [[labor strike]] in [[Boston|Boston, Massachusetts]] by graduate student and residential life workers at [[Boston University]]. The strike began on March 25, 2024, and was organized by the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU) [[labor union]], which is affiliated with the [[Service Employees International Union]] Local 509. A second concurrent strike by the Boston University Residence Life Union (BU ResLife) labor union, also affiliated with SEIU 509, would begin on April 12, 2024, set to last four days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/04/11/residence-life-workers-at-boston-university-set-to-strike-starting-friday/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
The '''2024 Boston University strike''' is an ongoing [[labor strike]] in [[Boston|Boston, Massachusetts]] by graduate student and residential life workers at [[Boston University]]. The strike began on March 25, 2024, and was organized by the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU) [[labor union]], which is affiliated with the [[Service Employees International Union]] Local 509. A second concurrent strike by the Boston University Residence Life Union (BU ResLife Union) labor union, also affiliated with SEIU 509, would begin on April 12, 2024, set to last four days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/04/11/residence-life-workers-at-boston-university-set-to-strike-starting-friday/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
=== Unionization Efforts ===
In 1979, Boston University experienced a [[1979 Boston University strike|strike]] as a result of backlash over policies by the university's president [[John Silber]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Special|first=Michael Knight|date=April 6, 1979|title=Faculty Begins Contract Strike at Boston University|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/06/archives/faculty-begins-contract-strike-at-boston-university-campus-outrage.html|work=The New York Times|pages=14|access-date=2024-04-10}}</ref> The union behind this strike, the Boston University - [[American Association of University Professors]], found itself decertified following a ruling ''[[NLRB v. Yeshiva University]]'' stating that university professors were not protected under the [[National Labor Relations Act of 1935]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zabel |first=Gary |title=The Encyclopedia of Strikes in American History |publisher=[[M. E. Sharpe]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-317-45707-7 |editor-last=Brenner |editor-first=Aaron |pages=696 |chapter=The Boston University Strike of 1979}}</ref> The university did not see another major strike until 45 years later following a 2016 [[National Labor Relations Board]] decision that allowed students to unionize.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-07 |title=Board: Student Assistants Covered by the NLRA {{!}} NLRB |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307211117/https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/board-student-assistants-covered-nlra-0 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>
In 1979, Boston University experienced a [[1979 Boston University strike|strike]] as a result of backlash over policies by the university's president [[John Silber]].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Special|first=Michael Knight|date=April 6, 1979|title=Faculty Begins Contract Strike at Boston University|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1979/04/06/archives/faculty-begins-contract-strike-at-boston-university-campus-outrage.html|work=The New York Times|pages=14|access-date=2024-04-10}}</ref> The union behind this strike, the Boston University - [[American Association of University Professors]], found itself decertified following a ruling ''[[NLRB v. Yeshiva University]]'' stating that university professors were not protected under the [[National Labor Relations Act of 1935]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Zabel |first=Gary |title=The Encyclopedia of Strikes in American History |publisher=[[M. E. Sharpe]] |year=2009 |isbn=978-1-317-45707-7 |editor-last=Brenner |editor-first=Aaron |pages=696 |chapter=The Boston University Strike of 1979}}</ref> The university did not see another major strike until 45 years later following a 2016 [[National Labor Relations Board]] decision that allowed students to unionize.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-03-07 |title=Board: Student Assistants Covered by the NLRA {{!}} NLRB |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307211117/https://www.nlrb.gov/news-outreach/news-story/board-student-assistants-covered-nlra-0 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=web.archive.org}}</ref>


==== Boston University Graduate Workers Union ====
== Boston University Graduate Workers Union ==
The university's graduate workers began organizing efforts in late 2020 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], in an effort to implement a safer workplace. Graduate workers then voted to affiliate with [[Service Employees International Union]] (SEIU) Local 509 in mid-2021, which also represents adjunct professors, lecturers, and residential advisors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who is BUGWU? – BU Graduate Workers Union|url=https://bugwu.org/about-us/who-is/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=bugwu.org}}</ref> They then began a successful public campaign of union [[Card check|authorization forms]] beginning September 2022 for improvements in wages, workload protections, health care and coverage, support for international students, and housing. BU's graduate workers voted 1,414 to 28 in December 2022 in favor of unionization, officially forming the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU).<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEIU Local 509 and Boston University Graduate Workers announce campaign to form Graduate Workers Union |url=https://massinsider.net/press-releases/35634 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=massinsider.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillis |first=Steve |date=2022-12-20 |title=Boston University Historic union win for grad workers |url=https://www.workers.org/2022/12/68283/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Workers World |language=en-US}}</ref>
The university's graduate workers began organizing efforts in late 2020 as a result of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], in an effort to implement a safer workplace. Graduate workers then voted to affiliate with [[Service Employees International Union]] (SEIU) Local 509 in mid-2021, which also represents adjunct professors, lecturers, and residential advisors.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Who is BUGWU? – BU Graduate Workers Union|url=https://bugwu.org/about-us/who-is/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=bugwu.org}}</ref> They then began a successful public campaign of union [[Card check|authorization forms]] beginning September 2022 for improvements in wages, workload protections, health care and coverage, support for international students, and housing. BU's graduate workers voted 1,414 to 28 in December 2022 in favor of unionization, officially forming the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU).<ref>{{Cite web |title=SEIU Local 509 and Boston University Graduate Workers announce campaign to form Graduate Workers Union |url=https://massinsider.net/press-releases/35634 |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=massinsider.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gillis |first=Steve |date=2022-12-20 |title=Boston University Historic union win for grad workers |url=https://www.workers.org/2022/12/68283/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Workers World |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫
==== Boston University Residence Life Union ====
⚫
[[Resident assistant|Resident assistants]] (RAs) would begin organizing in early 2023 after calls for the formation of a labor union in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blinder |first=Alan |date=December 19, 2023 |title=The Newest Union Members Are Undergrads |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/residents-assistants-colleges-undergraduates-unions-labor.html |website=The New York Times}}</ref> After holding a rally in support of the BU ResLife union in February 2023, it was announced that a majority of the 280 RAs had signed union authorization forms, voting for its formation a month later and seeing 92% voting to join SEIU Local 509.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Diti Kohli Globe |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |date=February 8, 2023 |title=The union comes to Boston University dorms |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/08/business/union-comes-boston-university-dorms/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jia |first=Teresa |date=2023-03-27 |title=BU Residential Life Union workers vote to join SEIU 509 – The Daily Free Press |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2023/03/27/bu-residential-life-union-workers-vote-to-join-seiu-509/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US}}</ref> This union, compromised of both undergraduate and graduate students, would advocate for a $15 an hour wage, meal plans for non-dormitory workers instead of a $15 per week stipend, improved CPR and Narcan training, crisis intervention, mental health care, summer safety measures, and backpay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/04/11/residence-life-workers-at-boston-university-set-to-strike-starting-friday/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Albano |first=Lauren |last2=Baltazar |first2=Kayla |date=2024-04-12 |title=BU ResLife Union to start four-day strike over Boston Marathon weekend – The Daily Free Press |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/12/bu-reslife-union-to-start-four-day-strike-over-boston-marathon-weekend/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>


=== Contract negotiations ===
=== Contract negotiations ===
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Disagreements in pay, health care, and benefits prompted BUGWU to move towards voting to authorize a strike. The union moved towards a strike by citing the MIT living wage calculator's estimation of $62,000 a year to live in Boston as being significantly above their pay of $27,000-$40,000 a year. BUGWU also cited greater access to healthcare for workers and their dependents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Striking BU Graduate Workers Demand More for Parents and Families {{!}} Boston Democratic Socialists of America |url=https://bostondsa.org/2024/04/04/striking-bu-graduate-workers-demand-more-for-parents-and-families/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Boston University graduate workers plan to strike starting Monday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/21/boston-university-graduate-workers-plan-to-strike-starting-monday/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They highlighted freedom from [[Housing gap|rent burden]], 12-month stipends, disability and public health protections, and parent and caregiver protections.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=April 6, 2024 |title=A Brief Guide to our Bargaining Proposals |url=https://www.instagram.com/gradworkersofbu/p/C5beyTMpUmJ/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> BUGWU held a strike authorization vote from February 28 to March 11, 2024, with 90% voting in favor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Boston University graduate students vote to authorize strike |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/12/boston-university-graduate-students-overwhelmingly-vote-to-authorize-strike/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They also filed an [[Unfair labor practice|Unfair Labor Practice]] with the NLRB against the university, totaling six as of April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-25 |title=Boston University graduate students go on strike, citing lack of progress in negotiations |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/03/25/boston-university-graduate-students-strike-negotiation-cost-of-living |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Adora |title=BU grad students pledge to continue strike until demands are met |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/29/boston-university-grad-students-continue-strike-until-demands-are-met/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
Disagreements in pay, health care, and benefits prompted BUGWU to move towards voting to authorize a strike. The union moved towards a strike by citing the MIT living wage calculator's estimation of $62,000 a year to live in Boston as being significantly above their pay of $27,000-$40,000 a year. BUGWU also cited greater access to healthcare for workers and their dependents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Striking BU Graduate Workers Demand More for Parents and Families {{!}} Boston Democratic Socialists of America |url=https://bostondsa.org/2024/04/04/striking-bu-graduate-workers-demand-more-for-parents-and-families/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Boston University graduate workers plan to strike starting Monday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/21/boston-university-graduate-workers-plan-to-strike-starting-monday/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They highlighted freedom from [[Housing gap|rent burden]], 12-month stipends, disability and public health protections, and parent and caregiver protections.<ref>{{Cite web |first= |date=April 6, 2024 |title=A Brief Guide to our Bargaining Proposals |url=https://www.instagram.com/gradworkersofbu/p/C5beyTMpUmJ/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> BUGWU held a strike authorization vote from February 28 to March 11, 2024, with 90% voting in favor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Boston University graduate students vote to authorize strike |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/12/boston-university-graduate-students-overwhelmingly-vote-to-authorize-strike/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref> They also filed an [[Unfair labor practice|Unfair Labor Practice]] with the NLRB against the university, totaling six as of April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-25 |title=Boston University graduate students go on strike, citing lack of progress in negotiations |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2024/03/25/boston-university-graduate-students-strike-negotiation-cost-of-living |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.wbur.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Adora |title=BU grad students pledge to continue strike until demands are met |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/03/29/boston-university-grad-students-continue-strike-until-demands-are-met/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

⚫
== Boston University Residence Life Union ==
⚫
[[Resident assistant|Resident assistants]] (RAs) would begin organizing in early 2023 after calls for the formation of a labor union in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blinder |first=Alan |date=December 19, 2023 |title=The Newest Union Members Are Undergrads |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/19/us/residents-assistants-colleges-undergraduates-unions-labor.html |website=The New York Times}}</ref> After holding a rally in support of the BU ResLife union in February 2023, it was announced that a majority of the 280 RAs had signed union authorization forms, voting for its formation a month later and seeing 92% voting to join SEIU Local 509.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Diti Kohli Globe |last2= |first2= |last3= |last4= |first4= |date=February 8, 2023 |title=The union comes to Boston University dorms |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/02/08/business/union-comes-boston-university-dorms/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=The Boston Globe |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jia |first=Teresa |date=2023-03-27 |title=BU Residential Life Union workers vote to join SEIU 509 – The Daily Free Press |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2023/03/27/bu-residential-life-union-workers-vote-to-join-seiu-509/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US}}</ref> This union, compromised of both undergraduate and graduate students, would advocate for a $15 an hour wage, meal plans for non-dormitory workers instead of a $15 per week stipend, improved CPR and Narcan training, crisis intervention, mental health care, summer safety measures, and backpay.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spatz |first=Emily |title=Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2024/04/11/residence-life-workers-at-boston-university-set-to-strike-starting-friday/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Albano |first=Lauren |last2=Baltazar |first2=Kayla |date=2024-04-12 |title=BU ResLife Union to start four-day strike over Boston Marathon weekend – The Daily Free Press |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/12/bu-reslife-union-to-start-four-day-strike-over-boston-marathon-weekend/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Contract negotiations ===
The BU ResLife Union would begin contact negotiations with Boston University in December 2023, proposing 28 articles, with five having been tentatively agreed upon as of April 2024.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=[BU ResLife] 2023-24 Bargaining Tracking Sheet |url=https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cKy-OZa452MS-5DDXidBUM71E23TCfPwCg_HbJ25bpM/edit?usp=embed_facebook |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Google Docs |language=en-US}}</ref> The BU ResLife Union would threaten to strike if their demands were not met by the university, holding a strike authorization vote between April 2nd and April 11th.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bu_reslifeunion |first=bu_reslifeunion |date=April 1, 2024 |title=We're ready to strike for everyone who came before us, everyone now, and everyone in the future ✊✊✊ Cast your ballot in our ResLife strike authorization vote by April 11! |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C5OUXNtg88e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Instagram}}</ref> After a successful vote and an unsuccessful bargaining session, the union would be set to strike for four days from April 12 to 15.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Callahan |first=Molly |date=2024-04-12 |title=BU RAs Authorize Four-Day Strike over Contract Negotiations |url=https://www.bu.edu/articles/2024/residence-life-union-strike/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Boston University Today |language=en}}</ref> They have stated that they will not be undergoing ResLife responsibilities during the strike, such as being on-call or holding conflict mediation, and had planned it to coincide with the [[2024 Boston Marathon]], a school holiday that sees many parties held.<ref name=":0" />


== Strike ==
== Strike ==
On March 25 at noon, BUGWU began their strike with a rally at Marsh Plaza, the center of the school's campus.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hassan|first=Abigail|last2=Gonzalez|first2=Nicole|date=2024-03-25|title=BUGWU strike rally attracts support from students, faculty, local politicians |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/03/25/bugwu-strike-rally-attracts-support-from-students-faculty-local-politicians/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref> This included speeches by graduate workers, Representative [[Ayanna Pressley]], whose district includes the university, and Senator [[Elizabeth Warren]], who represents Massachusetts. BUGWU stated that they will continue to picket on weekdays at both the Charles River and Medical campuses until their demands are met.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 BUGWU Strike Information |url=https://www.seiu509.org/bugwustrike/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=SEIU Local 509 |language=en-US}}</ref>
On March 25 at noon, BUGWU began their strike with a rally at Marsh Plaza, the center of the school's campus.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hassan|first=Abigail|last2=Gonzalez|first2=Nicole|date=2024-03-25|title=BUGWU strike rally attracts support from students, faculty, local politicians |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/03/25/bugwu-strike-rally-attracts-support-from-students-faculty-local-politicians/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref> This included speeches by graduate workers, Representative [[Ayanna Pressley]], whose district includes the university, and Senator [[Elizabeth Warren]], who represents Massachusetts. BUGWU stated that they will continue to picket on weekdays at both the Charles River and [[Boston University Medical Campus|Medical campuses]] until their demands are met.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 BUGWU Strike Information |url=https://www.seiu509.org/bugwustrike/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=SEIU Local 509 |language=en-US}}</ref>

18 days later, the BU ResLife Union would also begin their strike with a rally at Marsh Plaza. ResLife, BUGWU, and other student unions in solidarity would join their strike as it moved to [[Warren Towers]], the largest dormitory on the university's campus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=bu_reslifeunion |first=BU ResLife Union |date=April 11, 2024 |title=BREAKING: We are set to start our 4-day strike TOMORROW, April 12! Stand with BU ResLife Union and join us on the picket line. 💪 Whether you’re a ResLife worker or resident, swipe to learn how you can stand in solidarity! (action alert 🔗 in bio) |url=https://www.instagram.com/bu_reslifeunion/p/C5ogiZUArJq/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |website=Instagram}}</ref>


=== Support ===
=== Support ===
Various people and groups have shared their support for BUGWU, including Senator [[Bernie Sanders]] of Vermont,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sanders|first=Bernie|date=April 5, 2024|title="No graduate student worker should be struggling to make ends meet when Boston University has a $3 billion endowment. These workers deserve a living wage and strong benefits. Boston University must bargain a fair contract immediately."|url=https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1776319717524807787|website=Twitter|access-date=2024-04-10}}</ref> [[SAG-AFTRA]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=SAG-AFTRA Joins in Solidarity with BUGWU |url=https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-joins-solidarity-bugwu |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.sagaftra.org}}</ref> [[Boston City Council]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Council Supports Boston University Graduate Workers {{!}} Boston.gov |url=https://www.boston.gov/news/council-supports-boston-university-graduate-workers |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.gov |language=en}}</ref> State Representative [[Mike Connolly (Massachusetts politician)|Mike Connolly]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Connolly|first=Mike|title=Standing in solidarity with @GradWorkersOfBU this afternoon! I hope the BU administration does the right thing and agrees to cost of living increases, dental benefits, and an overall contract that allows these graduate student workers to afford dignified housing in our community.|url=https://twitter.com/MikeConnollyMA/status/1773805693335728597|website=Twitter|access-date=2024-04-10}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> the university's student government,<ref>{{Cite web |author=BU Student Government |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Please read our statement in support of the ongoing BUGWU strike. To our fellow undergraduate students: stand with our Graduate Workers in solidarity — do not cross the picket line, donate to the strike fund, and demand @bostonu administration to negotiate in good faith! Their working conditions are our learning conditions. |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C4_RqobxNyK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> and other graduate and teacher unions.
Various people and groups have shared their support for BUGWU, including Senator [[Bernie Sanders]] of Vermont,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sanders|first=Bernie|date=April 5, 2024|title="No graduate student worker should be struggling to make ends meet when Boston University has a $3 billion endowment. These workers deserve a living wage and strong benefits. Boston University must bargain a fair contract immediately."|url=https://x.com/BernieSanders/status/1776319717524807787|website=Twitter|access-date=2024-04-10}}</ref> [[SAG-AFTRA]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=SAG-AFTRA Joins in Solidarity with BUGWU |url=https://www.sagaftra.org/sag-aftra-joins-solidarity-bugwu |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.sagaftra.org}}</ref> [[Boston City Council]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Council Supports Boston University Graduate Workers {{!}} Boston.gov |url=https://www.boston.gov/news/council-supports-boston-university-graduate-workers |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.boston.gov |language=en}}</ref> State Representative [[Mike Connolly (Massachusetts politician)|Mike Connolly]],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Connolly|first=Mike|title=Standing in solidarity with @GradWorkersOfBU this afternoon! I hope the BU administration does the right thing and agrees to cost of living increases, dental benefits, and an overall contract that allows these graduate student workers to afford dignified housing in our community.|url=https://twitter.com/MikeConnollyMA/status/1773805693335728597|website=Twitter|access-date=2024-04-10}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> the university's student government,<ref>{{Cite web |author=BU Student Government |date=March 26, 2024 |title=Please read our statement in support of the ongoing BUGWU strike. To our fellow undergraduate students: stand with our Graduate Workers in solidarity — do not cross the picket line, donate to the strike fund, and demand @bostonu administration to negotiate in good faith! Their working conditions are our learning conditions. |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C4_RqobxNyK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}[[Wikipedia:SPS|{{sup|[''self-published'']}}]]</ref> and other graduate and teacher unions. The university's student government would also pass a resolution in support of the ResLife strike.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Oliveira |first=Lucas De |date=2024-04-09 |title=BU StuGov endorses ResLife Union strike, promotes event at Pardee Center – The Daily Free Press |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/09/bu-stugov-endorses-reslife-union-strike-promotes-event-at-pardee-center/ |access-date=2024-04-12 |language=en-US}}</ref>


== University Reaction ==
== University Reaction ==
Boston University's Office of the Provost updated their payroll policy as a result of the strike, withholding pay from striking employees. The university sent surveys to graduate workers who receive stipends, which BUGWU urged their workers not to fill out without speaking to union representatives.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hassan|first=Abigail|date=2024-04-04|title=Office of Provost changes payroll policy amid BUGWU strike |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/04/office-of-provost-changes-payroll-policy-amid-bugwu-strike/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref> In response, BUGWU filed an Unfair Labor Practice with the NLRB against the university, alleging wage theft.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-07 |title=Call to Action: Support the BUGWU Strike Fund! |url=https://www.angryeducationworkers.com/call-to-action-support-the-bugwu-strike-fund/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Angry Education Workers |language=en}}</ref>
Boston University's Office of the Provost updated their payroll policy as a result of the strike, withholding pay from striking employees. The university sent surveys to graduate workers who receive stipends, which BUGWU urged their workers not to fill out without speaking to union representatives.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hassan|first=Abigail|date=2024-04-04|title=Office of Provost changes payroll policy amid BUGWU strike |url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/04/office-of-provost-changes-payroll-policy-amid-bugwu-strike/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref> In response, BUGWU filed an Unfair Labor Practice with the NLRB against the university, alleging [[wage theft]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-07 |title=Call to Action: Support the BUGWU Strike Fund! |url=https://www.angryeducationworkers.com/call-to-action-support-the-bugwu-strike-fund/ |access-date=2024-04-10 |website=Angry Education Workers |language=en}}</ref>

During the ResLife strike, the university has stated they will continue to allow workers access to their rooms and dining plans, not charging them a daily rate. The university has also stated that professional ResLife staff will fill in during strike.<ref name=":0" />


=== Artificial Intelligence ===
=== Artificial Intelligence ===
On March 28, 2024, the dean of the [[Boston University College of Arts and Sciences]] sent an email to staff and faculty suggesting the use of [[generative artificial intelligence]] to give students feedback on assignments.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tran |first=Tony Ho |date=2024-03-28 |title=Boston University Suggests Replacing Striking Grad Students With AI |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/boston-university-suggests-replacing-striking-grad-students-with-ai |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> Multiple news organizations reported on the dean's suggestion, sparking backlash from both students and professors.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Genzer|first=Samantha|last2=Mitchell|first2=Maya|date=2024-04-05|title=BU community reacts to CAS dean suggestion to replace striking graduate teaching assistants with AI tools – The Daily Free Press|url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/05/bu-community-reacts-to-cas-dean-suggestion-to-replace-striking-graduate-teaching-assistants-with-ai-tools/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref>
On March 28, 2024, the dean of the [[Boston University College of Arts and Sciences]] sent an email to staff and faculty suggesting the use of [[generative artificial intelligence]] to give students feedback on assignments in the absence of graduate workers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tran |first=Tony Ho |date=2024-03-28 |title=Boston University Suggests Replacing Striking Grad Students With AI |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/boston-university-suggests-replacing-striking-grad-students-with-ai |access-date=2024-04-10 |work=The Daily Beast |language=en}}</ref> Multiple news organizations reported on the dean's suggestion, sparking backlash from both students and professors.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Genzer|first=Samantha|last2=Mitchell|first2=Maya|date=2024-04-05|title=BU community reacts to CAS dean suggestion to replace striking graduate teaching assistants with AI tools – The Daily Free Press|url=https://dailyfreepress.com/2024/04/05/bu-community-reacts-to-cas-dean-suggestion-to-replace-striking-graduate-teaching-assistants-with-ai-tools/|access-date=2024-04-10|language=en-US|website=The Daily Free Press}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 19:45, 12 April 2024

2024 Boston University strike
BUGWU, BU Reslife Union, and others in solidarity march in front of Warren Towers
DateMarch 25, 2024 (2024-03-25) - present
(BUGWU, 3 months, 3 weeks and 5 days)
April 12, 2024 (2024-04-12) - present
(Reslife Union, 3 months, 1 week and 2 days)
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
GoalsBUGWU
  • Increased wages
  • Healthcare and childcare benefits
  • Disability and public health protections
  • Parent and caregiver protections

BU ResLife

  • Increased wages
  • Enhanced CPR and Narcan training
  • Summer health and safety measures
  • Improved health and COVID protections
Methods
StatusIn progress
Parties
  • Boston University Graduate Workers Union
  • Boston University Residence Life Union
  • Service Employees International Union Local 509

The 2024 Boston University strike is an ongoing labor strike in Boston, Massachusetts by graduate student and residential life workers at Boston University. The strike began on March 25, 2024, and was organized by the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU) labor union, which is affiliated with the Service Employees International Union Local 509. A second concurrent strike by the Boston University Residence Life Union (BU ResLife Union) labor union, also affiliated with SEIU 509, would begin on April 12, 2024, set to last four days.[1]

Background

In 1979, Boston University experienced a strike as a result of backlash over policies by the university's president John Silber.[2] The union behind this strike, the Boston University - American Association of University Professors, found itself decertified following a ruling NLRB v. Yeshiva University stating that university professors were not protected under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935.[3] The university did not see another major strike until 45 years later following a 2016 National Labor Relations Board decision that allowed students to unionize.[4]

Boston University Graduate Workers Union

The university's graduate workers began organizing efforts in late 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in an effort to implement a safer workplace. Graduate workers then voted to affiliate with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 509 in mid-2021, which also represents adjunct professors, lecturers, and residential advisors.[5] They then began a successful public campaign of union authorization forms beginning September 2022 for improvements in wages, workload protections, health care and coverage, support for international students, and housing. BU's graduate workers voted 1,414 to 28 in December 2022 in favor of unionization, officially forming the Boston University Graduate Workers Union (BUGWU).[6][7]

Contract negotiations

BUGWU sought negotiations with Boston University's negotiation team starting in July 2023, holding at least one session a month.[8] The first meeting saw two articles proposed, with the total number since expanding to 40, of which three have been rejected and seven have been tentatively agreed upon as of April 2024.[9]

Disagreements in pay, health care, and benefits prompted BUGWU to move towards voting to authorize a strike. The union moved towards a strike by citing the MIT living wage calculator's estimation of $62,000 a year to live in Boston as being significantly above their pay of $27,000-$40,000 a year. BUGWU also cited greater access to healthcare for workers and their dependents.[10][11] They highlighted freedom from rent burden, 12-month stipends, disability and public health protections, and parent and caregiver protections.[12] BUGWU held a strike authorization vote from February 28 to March 11, 2024, with 90% voting in favor.[13] They also filed an Unfair Labor Practice with the NLRB against the university, totaling six as of April 2024.[14][15]

Boston University Residence Life Union

Resident assistants (RAs) would begin organizing in early 2023 after calls for the formation of a labor union in 2021.[16] After holding a rally in support of the BU ResLife union in February 2023, it was announced that a majority of the 280 RAs had signed union authorization forms, voting for its formation a month later and seeing 92% voting to join SEIU Local 509.[17][18] This union, compromised of both undergraduate and graduate students, would advocate for a $15 an hour wage, meal plans for non-dormitory workers instead of a $15 per week stipend, improved CPR and Narcan training, crisis intervention, mental health care, summer safety measures, and backpay.[19][20]

Contract negotiations

The BU ResLife Union would begin contact negotiations with Boston University in December 2023, proposing 28 articles, with five having been tentatively agreed upon as of April 2024.[20][21] The BU ResLife Union would threaten to strike if their demands were not met by the university, holding a strike authorization vote between April 2nd and April 11th.[22] After a successful vote and an unsuccessful bargaining session, the union would be set to strike for four days from April 12 to 15.[23] They have stated that they will not be undergoing ResLife responsibilities during the strike, such as being on-call or holding conflict mediation, and had planned it to coincide with the 2024 Boston Marathon, a school holiday that sees many parties held.[20]

Strike

On March 25 at noon, BUGWU began their strike with a rally at Marsh Plaza, the center of the school's campus.[24] This included speeches by graduate workers, Representative Ayanna Pressley, whose district includes the university, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who represents Massachusetts. BUGWU stated that they will continue to picket on weekdays at both the Charles River and Medical campuses until their demands are met.[25]

18 days later, the BU ResLife Union would also begin their strike with a rally at Marsh Plaza. ResLife, BUGWU, and other student unions in solidarity would join their strike as it moved to Warren Towers, the largest dormitory on the university's campus.[26]

Support

Various people and groups have shared their support for BUGWU, including Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont,[27] SAG-AFTRA,[28] Boston City Council,[29] State Representative Mike Connolly,[30] the university's student government,[31] and other graduate and teacher unions. The university's student government would also pass a resolution in support of the ResLife strike.[32]

University Reaction

Boston University's Office of the Provost updated their payroll policy as a result of the strike, withholding pay from striking employees. The university sent surveys to graduate workers who receive stipends, which BUGWU urged their workers not to fill out without speaking to union representatives.[33] In response, BUGWU filed an Unfair Labor Practice with the NLRB against the university, alleging wage theft.[34]

During the ResLife strike, the university has stated they will continue to allow workers access to their rooms and dining plans, not charging them a daily rate. The university has also stated that professional ResLife staff will fill in during strike.[20]

Artificial Intelligence

On March 28, 2024, the dean of the Boston University College of Arts and Sciences sent an email to staff and faculty suggesting the use of generative artificial intelligence to give students feedback on assignments in the absence of graduate workers.[35] Multiple news organizations reported on the dean's suggestion, sparking backlash from both students and professors.[36]

See also

References

  1. ^ Spatz, Emily. "Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  2. ^ Special, Michael Knight (April 6, 1979). "Faculty Begins Contract Strike at Boston University". The New York Times. p. 14. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  3. ^ Zabel, Gary (2009). "The Boston University Strike of 1979". In Brenner, Aaron (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Strikes in American History. M. E. Sharpe. p. 696. ISBN 978-1-317-45707-7.
  4. ^ "Board: Student Assistants Covered by the NLRA | NLRB". web.archive.org. 2018-03-07. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  5. ^ "Who is BUGWU? – BU Graduate Workers Union". bugwu.org. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  6. ^ "SEIU Local 509 and Boston University Graduate Workers announce campaign to form Graduate Workers Union". massinsider.net. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  7. ^ Gillis, Steve (2022-12-20). "Boston University Historic union win for grad workers". Workers World. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  8. ^ "Negotiations Updates | Office of the Provost". www.bu.edu. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  9. ^ "BUGWU Bargaining Tracker". Google Docs. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  10. ^ "Striking BU Graduate Workers Demand More for Parents and Families | Boston Democratic Socialists of America". Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  11. ^ Spatz, Emily. "Boston University graduate workers plan to strike starting Monday". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  12. ^ "A Brief Guide to our Bargaining Proposals". www.instagram.com. April 6, 2024. Retrieved 2024-04-10.[self-published]
  13. ^ Spatz, Emily. "Boston University graduate students vote to authorize strike". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  14. ^ "Boston University graduate students go on strike, citing lack of progress in negotiations". www.wbur.org. 2024-03-25. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  15. ^ Brown, Adora. "BU grad students pledge to continue strike until demands are met". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  16. ^ Blinder, Alan (December 19, 2023). "The Newest Union Members Are Undergrads". The New York Times.
  17. ^ Staff, Diti Kohli Globe (February 8, 2023). "The union comes to Boston University dorms". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  18. ^ Jia, Teresa (2023-03-27). "BU Residential Life Union workers vote to join SEIU 509 – The Daily Free Press". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  19. ^ Spatz, Emily. "Residence life workers at Boston University set to strike starting Friday". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  20. ^ a b c d Albano, Lauren; Baltazar, Kayla (2024-04-12). "BU ResLife Union to start four-day strike over Boston Marathon weekend – The Daily Free Press". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  21. ^ "[BU ResLife] 2023-24 Bargaining Tracking Sheet". Google Docs. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  22. ^ bu_reslifeunion, bu_reslifeunion (April 1, 2024). "We're ready to strike for everyone who came before us, everyone now, and everyone in the future ✊✊✊ Cast your ballot in our ResLife strike authorization vote by April 11!". Instagram. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  23. ^ Callahan, Molly (2024-04-12). "BU RAs Authorize Four-Day Strike over Contract Negotiations". Boston University Today. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  24. ^ Hassan, Abigail; Gonzalez, Nicole (2024-03-25). "BUGWU strike rally attracts support from students, faculty, local politicians". The Daily Free Press. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  25. ^ "2024 BUGWU Strike Information". SEIU Local 509. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  26. ^ bu_reslifeunion, BU ResLife Union (April 11, 2024). "BREAKING: We are set to start our 4-day strike TOMORROW, April 12! Stand with BU ResLife Union and join us on the picket line. 💪 Whether you're a ResLife worker or resident, swipe to learn how you can stand in solidarity! (action alert 🔗 in bio)". Instagram. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  27. ^ Sanders, Bernie (April 5, 2024). ""No graduate student worker should be struggling to make ends meet when Boston University has a $3 billion endowment. These workers deserve a living wage and strong benefits. Boston University must bargain a fair contract immediately."". Twitter. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  28. ^ "SAG-AFTRA Joins in Solidarity with BUGWU". www.sagaftra.org. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  29. ^ "Council Supports Boston University Graduate Workers | Boston.gov". www.boston.gov. 2024-03-29. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  30. ^ Connolly, Mike. "Standing in solidarity with @GradWorkersOfBU this afternoon! I hope the BU administration does the right thing and agrees to cost of living increases, dental benefits, and an overall contract that allows these graduate student workers to afford dignified housing in our community". Twitter. Retrieved 2024-04-10.[self-published]
  31. ^ BU Student Government (March 26, 2024). "Please read our statement in support of the ongoing BUGWU strike. To our fellow undergraduate students: stand with our Graduate Workers in solidarity — do not cross the picket line, donate to the strike fund, and demand @bostonu administration to negotiate in good faith! Their working conditions are our learning conditions". www.instagram.com. Retrieved 2024-04-10.[self-published]
  32. ^ Oliveira, Lucas De (2024-04-09). "BU StuGov endorses ResLife Union strike, promotes event at Pardee Center – The Daily Free Press". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  33. ^ Hassan, Abigail (2024-04-04). "Office of Provost changes payroll policy amid BUGWU strike". The Daily Free Press. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  34. ^ "Call to Action: Support the BUGWU Strike Fund!". Angry Education Workers. 2024-04-07. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  35. ^ Tran, Tony Ho (2024-03-28). "Boston University Suggests Replacing Striking Grad Students With AI". The Daily Beast. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
  36. ^ Genzer, Samantha; Mitchell, Maya (2024-04-05). "BU community reacts to CAS dean suggestion to replace striking graduate teaching assistants with AI tools – The Daily Free Press". The Daily Free Press. Retrieved 2024-04-10.
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