Student Workers of Columbia
@swcolumbia.bsky.social
A Union for Instructors, TAs and Researchers at Columbia University | UAW Local 2710 | RTs ≠ endorsements. Join our community supporters' mailing list: tinyurl.com/community-supporters
Join the first ever demonstration cosponsored by a coalition of on-campus and community orgs to protest Columbia’s recent policies: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
We demand: No more arbitrary rule changes, reopen the gates, and stop the surveillance!
Thur Nov 20 @ noon. Sundial & Bway gate
We demand: No more arbitrary rule changes, reopen the gates, and stop the surveillance!
Thur Nov 20 @ noon. Sundial & Bway gate
November 19, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Join the first ever demonstration cosponsored by a coalition of on-campus and community orgs to protest Columbia’s recent policies: ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
We demand: No more arbitrary rule changes, reopen the gates, and stop the surveillance!
Thur Nov 20 @ noon. Sundial & Bway gate
We demand: No more arbitrary rule changes, reopen the gates, and stop the surveillance!
Thur Nov 20 @ noon. Sundial & Bway gate
Columbia surveilled and threatened our members, who picketed and successfully forced Columbia to the bargaining table. The University’s union busting will not stop our members from engaging in NLRA-protected activity.
Read our press release here: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
#labor #highered
Read our press release here: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
#labor #highered
October 29, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Columbia surveilled and threatened our members, who picketed and successfully forced Columbia to the bargaining table. The University’s union busting will not stop our members from engaging in NLRA-protected activity.
Read our press release here: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
#labor #highered
Read our press release here: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
#labor #highered
At the end of SWC’s contract campaign, SWAC pledges to give 90% of any remaining funds to Palestinian and other local mutual aid groups.
opencollective.com/student-work...
opencollective.com/student-work...
October 19, 2025 at 3:48 PM
At the end of SWC’s contract campaign, SWAC pledges to give 90% of any remaining funds to Palestinian and other local mutual aid groups.
opencollective.com/student-work...
opencollective.com/student-work...
SWAC pays for emergency relief for student workers making 60% of NYC living wage. It's also a potential strike fund as SWC takes a stand for a living wage, cops off campus, non-citizen protections, and academic freedom.
A better future for higher ed, together.
A better future for higher ed, together.
October 19, 2025 at 3:47 PM
SWAC pays for emergency relief for student workers making 60% of NYC living wage. It's also a potential strike fund as SWC takes a stand for a living wage, cops off campus, non-citizen protections, and academic freedom.
A better future for higher ed, together.
A better future for higher ed, together.
October 21 is #Columbiagivingday.
Instead of picking up the bill for CU’s corruption, donate to the Student Worker Aid Collective, an independent mutual aid fund run by workers.
opencollective.com/student-work...
Instead of picking up the bill for CU’s corruption, donate to the Student Worker Aid Collective, an independent mutual aid fund run by workers.
opencollective.com/student-work...
October 19, 2025 at 3:46 PM
October 21 is #Columbiagivingday.
Instead of picking up the bill for CU’s corruption, donate to the Student Worker Aid Collective, an independent mutual aid fund run by workers.
opencollective.com/student-work...
Instead of picking up the bill for CU’s corruption, donate to the Student Worker Aid Collective, an independent mutual aid fund run by workers.
opencollective.com/student-work...
While marching to deliver our demands we discovered that CU had lied -- again.
The large conferences rooms that would accomodate all our colleagues who want to see the union bargain on their behalf were empty.
CU had insisted that the rooms were "not available" to hide from our members.
The large conferences rooms that would accomodate all our colleagues who want to see the union bargain on their behalf were empty.
CU had insisted that the rooms were "not available" to hide from our members.
October 8, 2025 at 3:18 PM
While marching to deliver our demands we discovered that CU had lied -- again.
The large conferences rooms that would accomodate all our colleagues who want to see the union bargain on their behalf were empty.
CU had insisted that the rooms were "not available" to hide from our members.
The large conferences rooms that would accomodate all our colleagues who want to see the union bargain on their behalf were empty.
CU had insisted that the rooms were "not available" to hide from our members.
We marched to see the University's HR & lawyers and handed them the articles we want to see in a new contract.
Our membership demands that the University open the gates and get cops off our campus, protect its non-citizen workers, and offer speedy resolutions for contract violations!
Our membership demands that the University open the gates and get cops off our campus, protect its non-citizen workers, and offer speedy resolutions for contract violations!
October 7, 2025 at 4:20 PM
We marched to see the University's HR & lawyers and handed them the articles we want to see in a new contract.
Our membership demands that the University open the gates and get cops off our campus, protect its non-citizen workers, and offer speedy resolutions for contract violations!
Our membership demands that the University open the gates and get cops off our campus, protect its non-citizen workers, and offer speedy resolutions for contract violations!
During our caucus, our bargaining team called the University to ask why they refused to meet us at the agreed unpon time.
No answer.
No answer.
October 7, 2025 at 4:18 PM
During our caucus, our bargaining team called the University to ask why they refused to meet us at the agreed unpon time.
No answer.
No answer.
Yet again, Columbia University refused to bargain with its student workers. Yesterday we caucused together at Trinity Lutheran Church, while the University bargaining team sat in their small room afraid to face us.
October 7, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Yet again, Columbia University refused to bargain with its student workers. Yesterday we caucused together at Trinity Lutheran Church, while the University bargaining team sat in their small room afraid to face us.
In July, the “National Right to Work Foundation” filed a ULP against the Cornell Graduate Student Union. In September, it filed a nuisance ULP against the Student Workers of Columbia.
Why is this right-wing org so obsessed with us? 🤔
Why is this right-wing org so obsessed with us? 🤔
September 28, 2025 at 12:56 AM
In July, the “National Right to Work Foundation” filed a ULP against the Cornell Graduate Student Union. In September, it filed a nuisance ULP against the Student Workers of Columbia.
Why is this right-wing org so obsessed with us? 🤔
Why is this right-wing org so obsessed with us? 🤔
📰PRESS RELEASE: Columbia University Begins School Year by Filing an NLRB Charge that Risks Student Workers’ Right to Unionize Nationwide
Read more: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Read more: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
September 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
📰PRESS RELEASE: Columbia University Begins School Year by Filing an NLRB Charge that Risks Student Workers’ Right to Unionize Nationwide
Read more: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Read more: docs.google.com/document/d/e...
Happy labor day! Start the academic year by celebrating people power 💪
Tomorrow at Broadway & 116 St gate of Morningside campus:
🎙️10am AAUP press conference
📢11am “Open the Gates” rally w/ Morningside neighbors
🪧1pm SWC practice picket
Tomorrow at Broadway & 116 St gate of Morningside campus:
🎙️10am AAUP press conference
📢11am “Open the Gates” rally w/ Morningside neighbors
🪧1pm SWC practice picket
September 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Happy labor day! Start the academic year by celebrating people power 💪
Tomorrow at Broadway & 116 St gate of Morningside campus:
🎙️10am AAUP press conference
📢11am “Open the Gates” rally w/ Morningside neighbors
🪧1pm SWC practice picket
Tomorrow at Broadway & 116 St gate of Morningside campus:
🎙️10am AAUP press conference
📢11am “Open the Gates” rally w/ Morningside neighbors
🪧1pm SWC practice picket
We are fighting for a better future for workers and universities together 🌹
August 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
We are fighting for a better future for workers and universities together 🌹
“As we press forward through the series of crises that have impacted our University, we are aware of a need for the faculty, administration and students to come together in a culture of mutual aid and collegial support for each other.”
We deeply appreciate our faculty allies.
We deeply appreciate our faculty allies.
August 15, 2025 at 9:01 PM
“As we press forward through the series of crises that have impacted our University, we are aware of a need for the faculty, administration and students to come together in a culture of mutual aid and collegial support for each other.”
We deeply appreciate our faculty allies.
We deeply appreciate our faculty allies.
It was so energizing to join our union siblings of UAW local 2110
and SEIU local 1199 on the picket line. Columbia is cheating all workers on campus - we are ready to fight together!
and SEIU local 1199 on the picket line. Columbia is cheating all workers on campus - we are ready to fight together!
August 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
It was so energizing to join our union siblings of UAW local 2110
and SEIU local 1199 on the picket line. Columbia is cheating all workers on campus - we are ready to fight together!
and SEIU local 1199 on the picket line. Columbia is cheating all workers on campus - we are ready to fight together!
While scrambling to replace our labor, Columbia blasted the university listserv that it had filed an unfair labor practice charge against SWC (!), alleging we are “not bargaining in good faith.” But let’s check the record: who’s failing to show up?
August 13, 2025 at 9:37 PM
While scrambling to replace our labor, Columbia blasted the university listserv that it had filed an unfair labor practice charge against SWC (!), alleging we are “not bargaining in good faith.” But let’s check the record: who’s failing to show up?
Is this a “relief”? Many departments have increased research requirements. The “extra time” will be an excuse for CU to cut later year funding. Teaching experience is also essential for the current job market. These changes devastate graduate education.
![Dear [redacted]
I am writing to let you know of the recent GSAS decision not to appoint any graduate students as teaching fellows this coming fall semester. You will not teach the section that has been assigned to you.
In material terms, this decision will not change anything: you will receive the same amount as you would have if you were teaching. More precisely, you will receive for the fall a fellowship of $16,027 (the 9-month rate of $36,060 prorated for the period September 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025), as well as the insurance, fees and other benefits of a non-service year.
You will not be asked to replace this semester of teaching in the future. Since students in French are now teaching only 6 semesters during the course of their 6-year appointment, we expect that you will teach a total of 5 semesters.
Decisions about spring term appointments and fellowships will be made and communicated later in the fall.
I understand that this decision might come as a disappointment. We would encourage you to use this lighter semester to focus on your MA thesis, classes and even to start preparing for your comprehensive exams.
We are still discussing among ourselves how to adapt the pedagogy seminar to this new situation and whether we will maintain it in the fall or postpone it to the spring semester. We will let you know as soon as we have made a decision.
Let me know if you have any questions or concern,
With my very best regards,
[redacted]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qq4uw7ij66zuq77swvhuaufm/bafkreifk4ifvn5gzl563jne4bggfomebxf5k2sdh3sfu67uk3z727l7kpu@jpeg)
August 9, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Is this a “relief”? Many departments have increased research requirements. The “extra time” will be an excuse for CU to cut later year funding. Teaching experience is also essential for the current job market. These changes devastate graduate education.
With less than a month before the semester starts, Columbia admin are “relieving” student workers from their teaching jobs. These notices follow drastic cuts to the Core & University Writing. CU is scrambling to hire scabs to replace our labor for
language classes like Spanish.
language classes like Spanish.
![Dear [redacted]
I am writing to let you know that LAIC has been notified by Arts and Sciences that you will be relieved of teaching responsibilities for fall 2025. You will receive for the fall a fellowship of $16,027 (the 9-month rate of 36,060 prorated for the period of September 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025), as well as insurance, fees, and and other benefits of a non-service year. Decisions about spring term appointments and fellowships will be made and communicated later in the fall.
We know. that the uncertainty of the past several months has been stressful, but we also hope that you will use this opportunity to adbance your research and professional goals. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Allessandra, or Seth with any questions or concerns.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:qq4uw7ij66zuq77swvhuaufm/bafkreiejsgepvjccwaowel5wpma3sezdspgmg3ol7f2ccg22lha3upmnqa@jpeg)
August 9, 2025 at 9:37 PM
With less than a month before the semester starts, Columbia admin are “relieving” student workers from their teaching jobs. These notices follow drastic cuts to the Core & University Writing. CU is scrambling to hire scabs to replace our labor for
language classes like Spanish.
language classes like Spanish.
It’s official – after months of Columbia administrators quietly working to eliminate grad instructor jobs, Lit Hum and the Core sent their final rejections. Columbia has cut every single preceptor job from the College’s flagship courses.
August 8, 2025 at 3:25 PM
It’s official – after months of Columbia administrators quietly working to eliminate grad instructor jobs, Lit Hum and the Core sent their final rejections. Columbia has cut every single preceptor job from the College’s flagship courses.
In 1968, Columbia suspended 73 students for protesting Columbia’s investment in war and theft of Harlem land. More than half the suspensions were reversed. Public pressure WORKS! We can do it, too. tinyurl.com/cupopuni-let...
August 6, 2025 at 5:09 PM
In 1968, Columbia suspended 73 students for protesting Columbia’s investment in war and theft of Harlem land. More than half the suspensions were reversed. Public pressure WORKS! We can do it, too. tinyurl.com/cupopuni-let...
Student workers, faculty, and staff blame 3 administrators for cuts: Amy Hungerford, Executive VP of Arts and Sciences; Josef Sorrett, Dean of the College; and Carlos Alonso, Dean of GSAS. Trustees set the agenda, Hungerford made the plan, and Sorrett and Alonso cut the jobs.
August 5, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Student workers, faculty, and staff blame 3 administrators for cuts: Amy Hungerford, Executive VP of Arts and Sciences; Josef Sorrett, Dean of the College; and Carlos Alonso, Dean of GSAS. Trustees set the agenda, Hungerford made the plan, and Sorrett and Alonso cut the jobs.
Impacted programs include required liberal arts classes in the “Core Curriculum,” first-year writing, and STEM labs. CU is attempting to hire scabs–but it's unclear how it can offer enough classes for undergrads to fulfill degree requirements. Class sizes are also increasing.
August 5, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Impacted programs include required liberal arts classes in the “Core Curriculum,” first-year writing, and STEM labs. CU is attempting to hire scabs–but it's unclear how it can offer enough classes for undergrads to fulfill degree requirements. Class sizes are also increasing.
Columbia is now officially rolling out cuts and outright elimination of various graduate teaching positions. Not only does this destroy professional education, but also leaves later-year Ph.D.’s without funding.
August 2, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Columbia is now officially rolling out cuts and outright elimination of various graduate teaching positions. Not only does this destroy professional education, but also leaves later-year Ph.D.’s without funding.
Columbia is replacing union labor as we negotiate a new contract.
Admin is emailing other universities to recruit teachers, while refusing to reappoint returning SWC instructors, who still don't know if they will teach or get paid in September.
This is textbook union busting
Admin is emailing other universities to recruit teachers, while refusing to reappoint returning SWC instructors, who still don't know if they will teach or get paid in September.
This is textbook union busting
July 12, 2025 at 9:34 PM
Columbia is replacing union labor as we negotiate a new contract.
Admin is emailing other universities to recruit teachers, while refusing to reappoint returning SWC instructors, who still don't know if they will teach or get paid in September.
This is textbook union busting
Admin is emailing other universities to recruit teachers, while refusing to reappoint returning SWC instructors, who still don't know if they will teach or get paid in September.
This is textbook union busting
