While we develop the strategy for moving forward at the bargaining table, we need to decide whether we are prepared to resume the strike. For that reason, we are holding a vote on whether to continue or end the strike, which will open Wednesday, May 5, 9 AM ET and close Wednesday, May 12, 5 PM ET. The next General Body Meetings will be announced shortly–stay tuned.
Who is eligible to vote?
Eligible voters are Columbia graduate and undergraduate students who are currently employed by the university, have been employed by the university in the past, or whose program includes a degree requirement to be employed by the university in one of the categories outlined by the NLRB decision (i.e., graduate and undergraduate Teaching Assistants, Teaching Fellows, Preceptors, Course Assistants, Readers, Graders, Graduate Research Assistants [including those on Training Grants], and All Departmental Research Assistants), and who have signed a union authorization card or similar card authorizing representation by GWC-UAW. If you have not done so already, you may fill out a union authorization card here.
If you do not satisfy the eligibility criteria but wish to participate in the vote, you will receive a challenged ballot. Challenged ballots are resolved and counted only if their number is determinative of the outcome of the vote.
How will the vote be conducted?
We will use ElectionBuddy. This electronic platform guarantees secrecy of ballots and makes sure that no one can vote more than once.
How can I access my ballot?
You should receive an email from ElectionBuddy with your ballot on Wednesday, May 5, 9 AM ET or soon after you sign a union card if the vote has already begun. Please check your spam, junk, and promotions folders if you cannot locate your ballot right away.
If you cannot locate the email from ElectionBuddy with the ballot, including in your spam, junk, and promotions folders, email us at columbiagradunion@gmail.com.