Dear University of Chicago Faculty, Staff, Instructors, and others:

As you by now may be aware, the members of Graduate Students United (GSU) voted, by 91% of the vote, to authorize an industrial action. This is a consequence of 19 months of stalling by the university administration to recognize our union, for which we voted with the overwhelming majority of the vote. As faculty, administration, and staff, you may be wondering, “How can we support you?”

You can support us by signing this public non-retaliation statement: bit.ly/GSUNonRetaliation

Even if you are already a vocal supporter of GSU, signing this letter will assure graduate workers that their freedom of speech and right to withhold their labor  is protected. The full list of signatories can be found here. Please share this statement with your colleagues.

A further ask is to cancel any classes on days when graduate workers are picketing on campus. We understand the need to plan ahead and if you want specifics, please contact an organizer in person. A full and complete work stoppage by graduate workers will be felt throughout the university and, by refusing to conduct business as usual, you can amplify our message to the administration. We also ask that you honor our picketing action by moving meetings and conferences off campus.

If you have further questions, please see this FAQ or attend the American Association of University Professors’ information session on Friday, May 31st, from 4:00 – 5:30 PM in Swift 106. If you’d like to support us in other ways, please reach out to GSU organizers either through your department’s contacts or through graduatestudentsunited@gmail.com. In addition to seeking out graduate organizers in your department, you can find updates via our Facebook Page and Twitter.

Thank you,

Graduate Students United