The University of Rochester is aware of today’s press conference on the topic of a possible future strike by some of our graduate students. While the University respects employees’ right to participate in a strike consistent with federal labor laws, it nevertheless, strongly believes that a strike by graduate students is neither in their best interest nor the most effective means of resolving the differences between the parties.
The graduate students are threatening a strike in an attempt to pressure the University into agreeing to enter into a private election agreement to recognize the union seeking to represent them — a process the University has never before agreed to — rather than the union pursuing recognition through the typical National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) process. Indeed, every single one of the six bargaining units that exist at the University have been established as a result of an NLRB supervised election process; not one of them through a private election agreement. Additionally, the union is demanding the University take this unprecedented step in the current environment where all of higher education is facing uncertainty, and where the future landscape remains extremely difficult to predict and navigate.
The University hopes that a strike does not ultimately take place here. However, we are steadfast in the belief that entering into a private election agreement at this time is not in the best interests of the University community at large. As such, the University will not succumb to the union’s pressure tactics and has taken the necessary steps to put into place contingency plans that will minimize the disruption a potential strike might have on our academic mission, including all teaching and research activities.
The graduate students are a vital part of our University community and, as such, we remain committed to ensuring their success.