Georgia's corporate-backed "right-to-work" laws limit what unions can require, but not what we can build together. Every new member strengthens our ability to enforce our contract, defend our rights, and fight for more.
Membership means having a voice and a vote in our union: members elect leaders, approve decisions, and shape the direction of our campaigns. To become a member, PhD workers sign a union authorization card and pay monthly dues.
A quick rundown on dues: they fund the people and resources it takes to enforce our contract and support our members. Our work at Emory is part of a broader movement: graduate workers here are members of SEIU/Workers United Southern Region, alongside airport, laundry, and hotel workers across the South. Over 80% of our Southern Region siblings are Black and Latino, and more than a third are immigrants from Haiti, Vietnam, Central and South America, and Africa. Their dues helped launch our organizing campaign because they believed that when we won, we would carry that solidarity forward. Paying dues is how we return that solidarity and build real, shared power.
Curious where every dollar goes? Read our FAQs and learn more about our national union’s approach to financial transparency, accountability, and how dues are allocated.
Who can join: All Laney Graduate School PhD students who support the union are eligible to sign a card.
Confidentiality: All cards are kept completely confidential from Emory University.
International students: Every international student has the legal right to join a union. The union will not disclose anyone's immigration status.
How much are dues?: Union dues are 1.5% of our stipend, capped at $50/mo.
Fill in your contact information and additional details.
This helps us stay in touch about contract updates, organizing campaigns, and union meetings in your department.
Enter your full name in both the Membership Application and Payroll Deduction Application sections.
Optional: Contribute to Workers United’s Political Action Campaign.
These voluntary contributions support pro-worker political efforts across the South. If you prefer not to contribute, simply leave that section blank and select “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
That’s it! Welcome to EmoryUnite!
You’ve joined hundreds of PhD workers building power at Emory. After you sign, a union organizer or steward may reach out to confirm your info and help you plug into upcoming meetings, committees, and campaigns.