Join the Union
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 completing the entire digital form and signing the Membership Declaration portion, 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: 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: Fill out our membership form and then email 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.
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.