Find out if you’re eligible for GSOC membership
Why Should I Sign a Union Card?
Signing a union card is a condition of employment for all eligible graduate workers at NYU. NYU is an “agency shop,” which means that all eligible workers are automatically part of the union. There are three ways that you can be involved:
By signing the top portion of the form, you agree to have the union represent you fully. In addition to benefitting from all the rights and benefits that the union has won for workers (E.g., hourly pay rate, dental coverage), being a full union member allows you to vote in union elections and run for leadership positions so that you can have a direct say over our proposals.
Eligibility: Graduate workers currently employed by NYU in a union-covered position.
Rights: All union membership rights and union benefits.
Dues: 2% of total compensation deducted for the semester in which you work.
To Enroll: Email your signed union card to mail@actuaw.org. You are enrolled once you submit your card; a confirmation is not needed. Dues will be automatically deducted from your paycheck.
Signing up to pay either union dues or equivalent agency fees is a mandatory condition of employment while working in a union position
Eligibility: Individuals who were employed by NYU in a union-covered position within the last three semesters.
Rights: All union membership rights, but no union benefits.
Dues $10 per month for fully funded Ph.D. students, and $5 per month for unfunded graduate students.
To Enroll: Sign a union card and email it to mail@actuaw.org, and CC us at gsoc@actuaw.org. Write “Maintaining Membership” in the subject line, and we will send you further instructions.
If you do not want to be a member of the union, you will still pay the equivalent amount of union dues in “agency fees” because you still benefit from the organizing o the union (e.g. all workers’ pay rates are set by the contract between the Union and NYU).
However, you will not be able to vote in union elections or run for leadership positions. We recommend that you become a full union member by signing all portions of the card so that you not only get all of the rights and benefits, but you are represented in union decisions.
Eligibility: Individuals who haven’t worked in a union-covered position so far or in within the last three semesters.
Rights: All unit-level union membership rights, except for (a) acting as a representative for unit members in grievances or collective bargaining, (b) voting for contract ratification, (c) voting at the Local 7902 level, (d) voting at the UAW International level, and (e) serving on the Local 7902 Joint Council.
Dues: $30 per year or $2.50 per month.
To Enroll: Email your signed union card to mail@actuaw.org and CC gsoc@actuaw.org. Write “Associate Membership” in the subject line, and we will send you further instructions.
How Do I Send In My Union Card?
You do not need to send a physical copy of your union card in the mail. Simply complete the entire form and email it to mail@actuaw.org. You should receive a confirmation that you have sent in your form, but, if not, you can assume that it was received. Sometimes our local receives a high volume of cards and is unable to individually confirm each card.
You only need to send in your union card the first time you work a union job at NYU (e.g., if you work in Fall 2026, you do not need to sign it again in Spring 2026).
What If I Receive A Union Card That Says “Local-2110”?
GSOC used to be part of UAW Local 2110, but have since transferred to Local 7902 (where we are able to organize with adjunct and contract faculty at NYU, as well as student workers and staff at the New School to building stronger collective protections and rights for workers.
Even though we have switched, some departments continue to send outdated union cards that list Local 2110. If you receive one of these cards or learn that they are being sent out, please email gsoc@actuaw.org to report it and get it corrected.
Get More Involved!
We invite everyone to join in our coalition and become a member of the union. Each and every member is welcome at all of our meetings. There are, however, even more ways to get involved!
Stewards are elected to organize in and represent academic regions of NYU, which we call “turfs.” Their main role is to ensure workers within a turf are building relationship with one another and with other GSOC members.
There are 30 steward seats distributed across schools. Stewards can file grievances and get access to information of workers in the departments to help their organizing efforts. For questions about organizing or general concerns, you can find steward contact information here ___, or email us (gsoc@actuaw.org)!
Most of the work in GSOC is done by our varied standing committees. Participation in any and all of these committees is open to any member throughout the year. We welcome and invite your assistance whenever you have the time. Each of the committees and working groups can be found here. Feel free to reach out to any committee chair for more information before joining a committee.
Most of our organizing is done within these sub-groups. The permanent committees are:
- Communications
- Political Solidarity
- Bylaws
- Organizing Committee
The current working groups, which fluctuate over time according to need, include:
- Contract Campaign
- Health and Safety
- International Students
- Hardship Fund
- Others
You can find more information about joining a committee or working group here!
Committee meeting schedules may also be found on the GSOC Calendar.
Contact Your Steward
Looking for more information? Feel free to find and contact your steward!