Cornell reaches tentative agreement with union workers

Cornell University in Ithaca, New York has reached a tentative agreement with its dining staff represented by United Auto Workers (UAW) 2300.

The union went on strike at the start of last week after negotiations with the university over its new labor contract had stalled.

The tentative agreement includes wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments and more.

“We extend our deep appreciation to the University’s bargaining team who worked tirelessly over many weeks and who negotiated in good faith with the UAW to reach a tentative agreement that benefits the entire community,” university officials shared in a statement. “We also recognize the efforts of our UAW-represented employees and their bargaining team in bringing both parties to this important, landmark agreement. All of our employees are an integral part of what makes our Cornell community so special.”

UAW will vote on the tentative agreement on Sunday and Monday. If it is approved, workers could be back on the job by Tuesday.

“Workers at Cornell were fed up with being exploited and disrespected,” said UAW Local 2300 President Christine Johnson in a statement. “This agreement is going to mean a better life for the people who make Cornell run.”

The strike caused disruptions to dining services throughout the past week as students were returning to campus, including reduced dining hours and boxed to-go lunches in lieu of hot meals.