Strike at Cornell: Over 1,200 Workers Demand Fair Wages

Workers at Cornell University Go on Strike

In a significant development, more than 1,200 workers at Cornell University have gone on strike on the first day of college move-in, following a breakdown in contract talks. Workers from various departments, including maintenance, dining, and horticulture, have joined the picket line to voice their demands for fair wages and better working conditions.

Workers Fed Up with Exploitation

According to UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson, workers are frustrated with the university prioritizing wealth over fair compensation. “Cornell could have settled this weeks ago. Instead, they’ve scoffed and broken federal law,” she emphasized.

University's Response to Strikes

Dismissing criticism, Cornell states it has offered the best possible deal, including a 17.5 percent wage increase across four years. However, union representatives claim this still does not meet the living wage standards in Ithaca, where many workers’ salaries fall short of $22 per hour, below the estimated living wage of $25 for a single adult.

This disruption comes at a crucial time, severely impacting new student move-ins. Amy Traub, a UAW Local 2320 member, passionately supports the strike, calling on the university to prioritize a fair contract for those who contribute to its success.

Political Support and Future Actions

Support for the workers extends beyond the campus, with Ithaca’s mayor and local politicians joining the picket line. “Unions are the backbone of American labor,” Mayor Robert Cantelmo stated, emphasizing the ongoing fight for living wages and employee rights.