UAW Workers Ratify 4-Year Contract With Cornell – Secures Wage Increase Over 25%

Both the UAW and Cornell University have come to an agreement, ending an ongoing strike that began back on August 18th. Members in the UAW have voted with a 77% majority to ratify a new four-year contract that secures wage increases of up to 25.4%.

The new contract also includes for the first time ever a cost of living allowance increase, and the elimination of the two-tier wage system. The UAW says in a release the contract also improves current policies for time off, uniforms, and inclement weather and safety protections.

Employees at Cornell who are part of the UAW include maintenance and facilities workers, dining workers, gardeners, custodians, agriculture and horticulture workers. 

The strike proved to be a major benefit for workers as they were able to increase Cornell’s offer of $37 million dollars in new wages and benefits during the life of the contract to now $43 million, an increase of $6 million dollars.

“The membership was ready to do things differently in these negotiations, and they built the collective power to force Cornell to say ‘Yes’ to a truly unprecedented contract,” said UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson. “We united around a clear set of demands and won a great agreement that rewards our work, enhances workplace safety, and will improve our members’ lives.”

The UAW also cited the schools significant increase in its endowment, up 39% to $10 billion with tuition also increasing by 13%. The union continued to add that workers’ buying power has fallen by 5%. 

Workers returned to their shift beginning at 10pm on Tuesday.