BARGAINING
UPDATES

August 27, 2026

On Thursday, scores of grads joined our bargaining session where we presented the first round of our economic proposals. Faced with a crowded room of grad workers, the administration declined to present any counterproposals or have a productive discussion about our Compensation proposal. We proposed a plethora of improvements to our compensation including:

  • $81,000 for a 12 monthappointment, representing more than a 100% increase for many grads. $54,000 for a 2 term Spring & Fall appointment.

  • An annual raise equal to 7% or inflation, whichever is greater

  • A relocation bonusof 5% of the appointment compensation and an additional $800 per dependent for newly admitted grads

  • $2000 bonus per term for GSRs/GSAs that passed their candidacy exams

  • $2000 bonus per course for TFs

  • The compensation improvements don’t stop here, check out thebargaining tracker to read the full proposal, along with the others we covered today.

We also re-proposed Guarantee of Employment Opportunity. We believe that graduate workers deserve to have stable employment, and that it is crucial for producing quality research. Our final proposal of the day, Commuting Benefits, guarantees continued access to free use of the PRT system, POGOH rides, the CMU and Pitt shuttles, and discounted parking access.

We can only win all of this if we stand up and fight together for the contract we deserve. To get involved in organizing click here. Thank you to all of our supporters that showed a strong front. If you want to join future bargaining sessions sign up here.

Don’t forget to fill out your membership card if you haven’t already. 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.

Follow @pittgradunion on social media to  and get connected to an organizer in your field by When we fight, we win.

See this and previous updates and newsletters here. Also, fill out this form if your working conditions change.

In solidarity, 

Your bargaining committee

Lauren Wewer, Chair (MEMS)
Alisa Omelchenko, Recording Secretary (SOM) 
Keanna Cash (SOE)
Chi-Tsung Chang (English)
Hollen Tillman (SSW)
Emily Ruttenberg (Math)
Jackson Wallace (Physics)
Matt Nader (USW)
Nate Kilbert (USW)
Don Shaffer (USW)