Since September 19, 2022, MIT has bargained in good faith with the GSU to reach an agreement on a first contract. While we have reached agreement on numerous terms related to both economic and non-economic issues (listed below), we remain far apart on several important issues. However, MIT remains committed to achieving a successful agreement.
Over the course of more than 20 bargaining sessions, MIT and the GSU-UE have found common ground on a number of provisions the union has sought, including:
- Issuing detailed and standardized appointment letters.
- Establishing an Institute website for posting open RA and TA positions.
- Guaranteeing reappointment or funding if a TA/RA is canceled by MIT before the end of the appointment period.
- Providing just cause protection for RAs and TAs in cases of discipline or discharge relating to employment.
- Providing a grievance and arbitration procedure for most cases involving alleged violations of the collective bargaining agreement.
- Covering the cost of any training that MIT deems necessary for a student worker to fulfill work duties.
- Implementing lab safety enhancements, including workplace safety evaluations and providing PPE and prescription safety glasses free of cost.
- Providing resources to international students, including continuing a hotline for students facing urgent situations, maintaining a website with timely information, and covering the costs of express mailing documents.
- Updating records within MIT’s control to reflect names and pronouns chosen by an employee to the extent permitted by law.
- Providing online access to DEI training.
- Expanded vacation benefit and sick time benefit.
- Expansion of Parental Accommodation benefit for parents bonding with new children.
- New leave benefit (with tuition and health care coverage) for an employee’s own medical condition or to care for a family member with a medical condition.