I am an incredibly proud union member of UAW Local 2865, one of the largest unions covering academic employees in the US. When I decided to pursue a graduate degree, my main concern was the systemic abuse that is commonplace in academia. However, through our work organizing, my union has established historic anti-bullying and harassment protections that ensure workers the right to a safe, welcoming workplace. We also won huge wage increases, childcare benefits, and transit subsidies which ensure that academia will one day become an equitable place for all. My union has transformed my life and the lives of my coworkers, and I hope that by continuing to organize and improve conditions at our own workplaces, that other academic institutions will follow suit.
