Welcome! At this site you will find information and updates pertaining to Columbia University’s current contract negotiations with the Student Workers of Columbia-United Auto Workers, Local 2710, union (SWC).
The University is committed to fostering a learning, living, and working environment of mutual respect, support, and care for all members of our community. The University’s goal is to finalize a fair, competitive, and sustainable contract that builds upon the first agreement overwhelmingly ratified by SWC membership in January 2022 and, importantly, aligns with the University’s commitment to academic excellence and reflects our student employees’ contributions to our mission. The University is committed to good-faith, productive bargaining with SWC that results in an agreement that supports both the needs of our student employees and the entire Columbia community.
Bargaining Updates
August 31, 2026
At the twentieth bargaining session, the University presented revised Benefits and Child Care proposals, and SWC shared a revised proposal on Non-Discrimination.
August 10, 2026
At the nineteenth bargaining session, the University and SWC continued exchanging proposals, and the union presented slightly revised economic demands. SWC’s proposals still address academic and operational decisions outside the Framework Agreement and far exceed benefits available to other employees at Columbia and peer universities.
July 28, 2026
In the eighteenth bargaining session, slow movement continued, but the parties remain far apart on the remaining major components of a labor contract. The union’s proposals still infringe inappropriately on academic and operational matters outside the Framework Agreement.
Faculty & Community Updates
August 25, 2026
Nearly 17 months into negotiations, SWC has not prioritized meaningful progress on basic employment issues or shown the requisite urgency to accomplish what we need to achieve together. As a sign of our commitment to our PhD students and other Student Officers, Columbia will again implement 3% increases to their support and compensation, matching the 3% increases from October 2025.
August 25, 2026
The University has again implemented 3% increases to minimum PhD student support and compensation for all teaching or research Student Officer appointments, effective September 1, 2026, which match the 3% increases the University implemented in October 2025. This reflects Columbia’s dedication to supporting our students as negotiations with SWC continue.
March 25, 2026
As we approach the one-year mark in negotiations with the Student Workers of Columbia union (SWC) for a successor contract, it is time to step back and reflect on where we stand.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be clear, a strike authorization vote is not the same as a vote to strike or a guarantee that the union will strike. Instead, a strike authorization vote is a procedural step that, if approved, would give the union the authority to call a strike at a future date if its leadership decides to do so. Only union members may participate in a strike authorization vote.
No. Student employees, whether or not dues-paying members of the union, can each decide for themselves whether to participate in a strike or to continue working. Federal law protects a unionized employee who chooses to work during a strike.
No. While we value our student employees and respect their right to engage in protected union activity, including a lawful strike, student employees who choose to strike and do not perform their work will not be paid. Strikers should not expect to receive back pay from the University for appointed work not performed as part of the strike. Strikers cannot use vacation, sick leave, or personal leave during a strike unless it was previously approved by the department/school prior to the strike authorization vote.
Relevant Bargaining Documents
Overview of SWC Demands (As of March 2026)
March 25, 2026
University Proposals:
Scheduled Session 6
June 9, 2025
University Proposals:
Scheduled Session 5
May 9, 2025