April 30, 2025

Key Takeaways:  

• We reached a tentative agreement on shared governance, providing the same protections for grad workers that members of the faculty unit have to speak about university policies and practices.

• We presented a counter proposal for our grievance and arbitration article. 

• We offered new proposals for performance evaluation, inclusive work environment, and grad workers’ professional rights.

Dear fellow grad workers,

During our bargaining session on April 29th, we tentatively agreed on our shared governance article. The language would provide the same protections to grad workers that Pitt’s faculty unit have solidifying our existing rights to speak as individuals on all matters of university governance.

We also presented three new proposals and a counter proposal to the administration. We countered on the grievance and arbitration proposal and presented three new proposals that govern performance evaluation, inclusive work environment, and grad workers’ professional rights. 

The performance evaluation language lays out policies relating to the quality and frequency of evaluations for grad workers’ job performance from our supervisors, as well as policies on setting working objectives/goals, professional development, and teaching observations. The inclusive work environment proposal reaffirms and expands on existing protections for workers under the ADA, including establishing more expedient procedures for getting accommodations for grad workers for short and long-term disability needs and pregnancy and related medical conditions. It also establishes provisions related to gender equity, accommodations for religious practices, and accommodations for grad workers who have dependents. Our professional rights proposal covers issues relating to grad workers’ IP and authorship rights, as well as provisions for remote/hybrid work, meetings with supervisors, external employment, and transparency around external funding. 

Remember, our union is only as strong as its membership! If you are a TA/TF/GSA/GSR or fellow, please sign your USW membership card online if you haven’t done so yet. The administration will NOT have access to your membership card information (including whether or not you signed one) until our first contract is ready for ratification. If you have questions, feel free to reach out! 

As always, if you experience any changes to your working conditions or if your department suggests that compensation is held up or unavailable due to the bargaining process, let us know. Ordinary compensation processes should continue, including supplemental pay, reimbursements, and travel support. Email pittgradunion@usw.org with as many details as possible! 

In solidarity,  

Your bargaining committee  

Lauren Wewer, Chair (MEMS)  
Michaela Cushing-Daniels, Recording Secretary (SPIA)  
Keanna Cash (SOE)  
Greta Cheng (SPH)  
Aden Halpern (Economics)  
Alisa Omelchenko (SOM)Chi-Tsung Chang (English)
Chi-Tsung Chang (English)
Tori Bonidie (Physics & Astronomy)
Hollen Tillman (SSW)
Matt Nader (USW)
Nate Kilbert (USW)
Robin Sowards (USW)
Don Shaffer (USW)