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August 2016: Early History: Trump, Columbia, and Creative Activism
August 2016: Early History: Trump, Columbia, and Creative Activism
The fight for a union at Emory began nearly a decade ago. Inspired by national efforts and spurred by the 2016 Columbia Decision (a National Labor Relations Board ruling that affirmed the right of graduate workers to unionize), a group of PhD workers laid the foundation for what would eventually become EmoryUnite! When the Trump administration reversed the Columbia decision in 2019, unionization efforts were forced underground. But instead of giving up, PhD workers got creative. Our first major win came when workers threatened to picket Welcome Week, and won incoming workers’ a half-month’s stipend for starting the PhD mid-August.
September 2, 2022: Card Drive
September 2, 2022: Card Drive
The official card drive launched. Over 50% of Emory’s graduate workers signed on to support a union.
August 25, 2023: Union Election Called
August 25, 2023: Union Election Called
EmoryUnite! filed for a union election. Despite operating in a region known for low union density, “right-to-work” laws, and normalized wage inequality, the momentum to mobilize was undeniable.
October 18, 2023: Unionization (92% YES!)
October 18, 2023: Unionization (92% YES!)
Election day. 60% of eligible PhD workers showed up to vote, and 92% voted yes. This overwhelming mandate formally established EmoryUnite! as the union representing the university’s graduate workers.
April 1, 2024: Collective Bargaining
April 1, 2024: Collective Bargaining
Collective bargaining began. After years of organizing, graduate workers finally had a seat at the negotiating table. But Emory’s administration dragged its feet and offered little in the way of serious proposals.
August 28, 2025: Tentative Agreement
August 28, 2025: Tentative Agreement
After more than a year of slow negotiations and sustained pressure, a tentative agreement was reached between EmoryUnite! and Emory administration. This victory came on the heels of months of rallies, campaigns, and mobilizations led by graduate workers and their allies.
September 11, 2025 - NOW: Post-Contract Ratification
September 11, 2025 - NOW: Post-Contract Ratification
This contract is a step forward, but there’s real work ahead. In the coming months, we’ll focus on enforcing what we’ve won through the labor-management committee, training stewards, and making sure every member knows their rights and how to use them. We’re launching working groups to tackle ongoing workplace issues at Emory. Our organizers are also laying the groundwork for post-contract campaigns. At the same time, we’re slowly preparing for the next round of bargaining.
But our fight isn’t limited to the shop floor. We’re organizing to confront the broader attacks on workers, from retaliation and union-busting at Emory, to state policies that restrict public-sector organizing, to federal rollbacks on labor protections. Wherever workers' rights are under threat, we’ll be there to fight back!
September 4-10, 2025: First Contract Ratification Drive (97% YES!)
September 4-10, 2025: First Contract Ratification Drive (97% YES!)
In a resounding show of solidarity, 97% of voting graduate workers approved the tentative agreement, officially ratifying the first contract between EmoryUnite! and the university. This historic vote marked the culmination of a decade-long struggle for recognition and real voice in the workplace.
The ratified contract included key wins secured through persistent organizing:
A $42,000 base stipend (up from $36,000 at the start of bargaining in Sp ‘24, a 16% increase!)
With guaranteed annual raises aligned to faculty and staff
A total of $450,000 in hardship support funds
For health-related expenses, dependent care, international student-worker needs, and medical leaves.
Funds renew each year and roll over between years.
Out-of-pocket maximums for Emory’s student health insurance plan lowered by $1,500
With guaranteed continuation of fully-subsidized plans for five years.
Robust grievance and arbitration procedures that protect student-workers from exploitation, inappropriate discipline, and discrimination.
Ongoing university commitments to provide food and housing assistance and raising accessibility standards on campus.
10 additional vacation days to top up pre-approved and University-designated days off
Remote work contingencies for disabled or chronically ill student-workers
As well as international student-workers who are unable to return to the U.S.
Most critically, the agreement laid a foundation for future negotiations, signaling a new era of accountability and worker power at Emory.
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