Our Contract
What We Fought For Together
In March 2024, after months of negotiations, graduate workers at Northwestern ratified their first collective‑bargaining agreement. This contract is a historic win: it raises stipends, expands healthcare coverage, supports international students and enshrines strong workplace protections. It’s the product of collective action and sets a foundation for future bargaining
Competitive Pay
- $1,000 bonus at time of contract ratification
- Minimum Stipend of $41,000 effective June ‘24
- Minimum Stipend of $45,000 effective Sept ‘24
- Minimum Stipend raise of 3% in subsequent years
- Raises for workers in Kellogg, DMAs, MMs, and hourly workers
- Significant increases in TGS childcare grant
Comprehensive Healthcare
- 100% vision and dental coverage included in NU-SHIP at no extra cost
- Full coverage of the student health fee for MM and DMA workers in Bienen School of Music
- Access to adoption assistance and adult/senior care programs
Support of International Workers
- Guarantees of timely processing of visa, immigration, and tax paperwork
- Support fund for immigration-related costs ($300,000 for 2024, $270,000 for 2025, and $270,000K for 2026)
- 5 days time off for visa and immigration related matters and accommodations to work remotely while renewing visas
Professional Standards in Labs and Classrooms
- Unlimited paid sick days
- Requests for personal days/vacation shall not be unreasonably denied
- Limits on mandatory hours worked for positions covered by this contract
- Appointment Letters outlining responsibilities for positions covered by this contract
- Improved, enforceable health & safety standards
- Timely reimbursements of expenses
Power and Protections in our Workplace
- Robust and extensive grievance procedure for all violations of the contract
- Protections against abuses of authority
- Protection from undue degree withholding
- The right for representation through union stewards at meetings where an employee can reasonably expect to be disciplined
- Just cause standard for discipline and dismissal
- Continued power through agency shop