MIT Graduate Student Union

Bargaining Priorities

Bargaining Priorities

 FAIR AND SECURE WORKPLACE FOR ALL 

UE 256 BARGAINING PRIORITIES FOR 2026

In this round of bargaining, we’re seeking enforceable protections, appointment security, and improved compensation, and to guarantee these rights and benefits for all graduate workers — regardless of country of origin, funding source, or identity.

Based on almost 2000 bargaining survey responses, our Local’s Bargaining and Grievance Committee has put together the following draft platform for upcoming negotiations. Please note that items in bold reflect highest priorities based on bargaining survey results. Members will vote on a finalized version of these bargaining priorities at the March General Membership Meeting.

Protections for All Workers

  • Non-citizen worker protections:

    • Flexibility in appointments and remote work when experiencing immigration issues

    • Only releasing immigration-related information when required by law, with mandatory advance notice

    • Protections from activity of federal agents, such as DHS, ICE, and FBI, on campus

    • Equitable opportunities to take on internships, e.g. improved CPT/OPT policies

    • Improved response times from ISO and departments for immigration-related paperwork

    • Increased financial support for visa renewals, unexpected legal fees related to immigration, and DACA students

  • Full union protections for fellows

    • Fellows deserve equal rights for equal work, including access to the grievance procedure and all contract provisions

  • LGBTQ+ worker protections:

    • Increased inclusive restroom access

    • Protections against systemic misgendering and deadnaming

  • Safe workplace for everyone:

    • Stronger definitions of nondiscrimination and harassment, and stronger protections during IDHR and HR processes

    • Continued commitment to DEI trainings

    • Strengthen health and safety protections in unsafe work environments

Fair Compensation & Benefits

  • Competitive compensation reflecting the value of our work

    • Wages competitive with peer institutions that reflect the cost of living in Boston

    • Abolish unnecessary student fees

    • Retirement plan access & matching contributions

    • Bike benefits & transit pass subsidization

  • Improved leaves of absence & work flexibility

    • More flexible vacation policy

    • Paid medical & family leave comparable to other employees in Massachusetts

    • Stronger remote work flexibility

  • Financial support for workers with special circumstances

    • Coverage of insurance premiums for partners & dependents

    • Financial relief for medical, dental, and vision procedures uncovered by insurance

    • Increased grant funding for graduate student parents

    • Increased financial relief for workers experiencing hardship, such as expanding financial relief to workers in Masters programs 

Secure Rights and Appointments

  • No discipline or discharge without fair standards and due process

    • Union representation and access to the grievance procedure whenever you are handed down discipline of any kind (including “academic” discipline)

    • No removal from an academic program without a fair process

    • Stronger notification requirements for disciplinary action

  • Appointment security:

    • Guaranteed funding for every appointment period throughout the duration of graduate program, including guaranteed transitional funding when necessary

    • Guarantees that you can change advisors and still receive funding

    • Maintain uninterrupted contract benefit coverage by prohibiting reclassification of workers as teaching fellows or hourly employees to evade union protections

  • Worker voice in campus policies

    • No unilateral changes to policy without prior notification and option for negotiation

    • Transparent and advance disclosure of funding sources

  • Ethical work and data protections:

    • Standards for AI-related workplace monitoring and data privacy

    • Rights for workers to decline assignments on ethical grounds and receive alternative funding

  • Maintain a strong agency shop with consistent standards to protect all of our hard-won rights