The strike authorization vote was an overwhelming success with participation by 72% of members teaching this fall and 95% voting yes. We sent a strong message to the Administration that we are united around securing a landmark contract. We will continue to meet with NYU in an effort to finalize the contract, but the university knows that the way to avoid an actual strike is to meet our demands for living wages, and job security.
How will I know if we are on strike?
The Bargaining Committee will set a strike date and announce in advance where the picket lines will be in the event of a strike. We will continue bargaining and on the day of the strike, check your email, text alerts and our website.
What will be expected of me during the strike?
A strike means that we are not teaching. Adjuncts will not teach for the duration of the strike – including off campus or on zoom. In addition to suspending class, we will not accept papers, administer exams, or grade student work. We will picket during the hours classes are taught, and ask other members of the NYU community to not cross our picket line. Tell your students that you will be unavailable for the duration of the strike for class related emails. In addition, we have asked full-time faculty to conduct their classes off-campus for the duration of the strike.
How do I join a picket line?
Joining your adjunct colleagues on the picket line will send a crucial message of our strength and solidarity during the strike. There will be central picket line locations at Washington Square Bobst Library and at Tandon School of Engineering in Brooklyn. There will be daily updates and sign-ups on our website. The picket lines will be present during university class hours and you should plan to at least join picketing during the times when you would normally be teaching.
Will I get paid during a strike?
The University won’t pay our wages during the strike. But everyone who is a Union member, teaching this fall, and participates in a strike duty will receive a strike benefit check from the UAW International. The strike benefit is $400 per week. The benefits accrue from the first day of the strike.
What is strike duty?
When we step away from teaching, we will replace that activity with work that supports the strike. Strike duty includes in person picketing, remote phone banking and other outreach activities. Those who participate in strike duties will qualify for the strike fund payment from the UAW. There will be Strike Captains who will be coordinating duties, keeping track of attendance, and making sure the picket line has maximum impact.
How should I communicate with my students about the strike?
Prepare your students now for the possibility of a strike. While we shouldn’t discuss the strike during class time, we can engage in a conversation with students during a break, before or after class. Once the strike date is set, let them know that your classes will not meet and you won’t be available for any teaching related matters. Explain that it’s within NYU’s power to resolve a strike by meeting our demands for a fair contract. And share this link for students FAQ.
When we win a strong contract, the biggest winners will be current and future generations of students at NYU. Our teaching conditions are students’ learning conditions. Higher wages, stronger job protections, and better benefits will improve the educational experience at NYU.
How can students get involved?
Let students know that their support and involvement during the strike is critical. They can join us on the picket line and help raise student awareness across campus. We encourage students to talk to their parents and have them write to the Administration in support of NYU adjunct faculty. Refer them to President Hamilton: andrew.hamilton@nyu.edu || Sample letter
Can I lose my teaching position if I go on strike?
It is illegal to fire or lay off a worker for striking and that includes adjunct professors. Strikes are legal in this country. Since our contract will have expired, we have every right to withhold our labor.
What will happen to my paycheck?
The University must compensate us for any work already completed in the semester. You will not be paid by NYU for the duration of the strike. If the strike lasts a week, you would lose that week’s pay. That is why it’s important to help on the picket line and other strike duties in order to receive UAW strike benefits.
What happens to my NYU health insurance?
Should the strike continue for more than several weeks and your payment for the next month of health insurance is due, the UAW will help subsidize your insurance by covering the portion of the premium that the university pays.
How long will a strike last?
The Bargaining Committee will determine whether the strike will be “limited” or open ended. A “limited” strike will be for a predetermined number of days, while an open ended strike will last as long as it takes to win a fair contract. We expect contract negotiations will continue during the strike, and our unity and strength on the picket line are key to our success.
For more information:
ACT-UAW LOCAL 7902
mail@actuaw.org
https://www.nyuowesadjuncts.com/
212-432-2120
