Columbia University and the Student Worker Union have reached a deal after months of negotiation. The agreement, which was announced on Monday, brings an end to a long-standing dispute over working conditions and pay for graduate student workers.

The Student Worker Union, which represents over 3,000 graduate student workers at Columbia, had been pushing for better wages, healthcare benefits, and job security. The union argued that graduate student workers play a vital role in the functioning of the university and deserve fair compensation for their work.

After months of negotiations, the university has agreed to several key concessions. Graduate student workers will now receive an increase in wages, improved healthcare benefits, and stronger protections against harassment and discrimination. The agreement also includes provisions for paid parental leave and improved access to affordable housing for graduate student workers.

In a statement, Columbia University praised the agreement as a “historic milestone” that recognizes the important contributions of graduate student workers to the university. The university also committed to addressing the concerns raised by the Student Worker Union and working collaboratively to improve working conditions for all graduate student workers.

The deal represents a significant victory for the Student Worker Union, which had been fighting for better conditions for graduate student workers for several years. The agreement comes after a series of protests and rallies by union members, as well as negotiations with university administrators.

The Columbia Student Worker Union has expressed its satisfaction with the agreement, calling it a “major step forward” for graduate student workers at the university. The union praised the university for listening to their concerns and working to address them in a meaningful way.

Overall, the agreement between Columbia University and the Student Worker Union represents a positive development for graduate student workers at the university. By recognizing the important role that graduate student workers play in the functioning of the university and taking steps to improve their working conditions, both parties have shown a commitment to creating a more equitable and inclusive campus community.