I am impressed by graduate labor unionizers. I am especially impressed by the care, intelligence, and persistence that goes into their efforts. They continue through setbacks, over months.  The same qualities that make them great graduate students make them great organizers.  They show not only persistence in effort, but persistence in standing by their sense that something’s not quite right. 

It’s complex—I am personally not totally sure what’s wrong with the graduate labor system, but, while there are many good things, something is off (maybe to be in between a student and an employee can be problematic, maybe even for all parties. Maybe this reflects a larger societal issue with how we view and support (or do not support) research).

There is also something off with the way that institutions respond to the union efforts. This causes further suffering. When the systems in place allow for—or even cause—suffering, that, I think, is injustice. What are the roots of injustice? Some say greed. Personally, I think it’s fear. Systems that are afraid to change—afraid to stand up to power.

The graduate unionizers are reminding us how to stand up to power.

We need this, now. This is how the world becomes a better place.  

Institutions are comprised of many who were graduate workers once (administrators and grad workers “inter-are”), and they have the same good qualities—persistence, intelligence, and care. In their own way, I think, the administration is looking out for the graduate students. 

My hope is that, at some point, the union organizers and administrations will stand together, however this might look, for what is right. We need this now.