News & Events
We have filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge
In a bargaining session on Friday morning, the university threatened to retaliate against the student workers, threatening to fire them, replace them, and take away their housing. Also during this session, the administration sent an email to the entire student body threatening retaliation against union members for engaging in their right to collective action. In response to this email, the union has filed an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) charge with the NLRB.
ULTRA is going on STRIKE!
ULTRA voted on the afternoon of Wednesday, August 23 to authorize a strike if the university fails to meet the union’s demand for wage compensation in the form of a stipend. The vote passed with 89% of ballots cast, and the union requested a bargaining session with administration along with a compensation offer that included wages.
We delivered a petition demanding wage compensation
We have been bargaining for a contract since February, and the Tufts administration has repeatedly rejected our proposal that would provide RAs compensation in the form of a stipend. On Monday (8/21) we delivered a petition to the administration with 118 signatures demanding to be paid for our work!
WE WON OUR UNION 99-3!!
Tufts RAs now have the certified right to collectively bargain over their wages, working conditions, job responsibilities, schedules, and more. We are proud to have won with such overwhelming support and are excited to take the next step in negotiating our contract. For now, we'll take our finals and go home for the holidays knowing we are making a huge difference: not just for ourselves, but for the RAs in every year to come.
Thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged us along the way. Solidarity!
We have an election date!
If you're an RA at Tufts, don't forget to take five minutes to vote. We'll be able to vote YES on our union anytime between 12-3pm Wednesday, December 14th. The ballot box will be in the Alumnae Lounge of Aidekman. No need to bring anything: just yourself.
Tufts declined our petition for recognition
On Wednesday, November 16th, we received an email on behalf of the administration of Tufts University with the decision to decline our request for voluntary recognition. By declining our petition, Tufts failed in its obligation to student workers and to its community.
You can read the email we received here.
Medford City Council
On Tuesday, November 15th, we spoke at the Medford City Council to ask for support of ULTRA. The resolution passed unanimously! Councilors shared their gratitude for RAs, and personal stories from their time in college.
Somerville City Council
On Thursday, November 10th, we spoke at the Somerville City Council to ask for support of ULTRA. The resolution passed unanimously! Councilors surprised us by standing and sharing heartfelt messages about why our union is so important - for our community, our peers, and future student workers.
We delivered our petition!
On Wednesday, November 9th, RAs hand-delivered our letter and petition for voluntary recognition to the Office of the President. This was an exciting moment after months of organizing: we could finally stand public and proud to represent the 85% of RAs who have signed in support of our union.