FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GRAD UNIONS

Crest of NUGW with the words "Northwestern University Graduate Workers" surrounding an icon of an open book with a lightbulb above it.

The Union Difference

As an individual employee, you have limited leverage when negotiating with the Northwestern administration. A union allows employees to pool their labor as a single resource and use it to gain negotiating power, which in turn allows the employees to win additional pay, protection, and benefits for their labor. 

Unions give workers a democratic voice in the workplace. When workers are organized in a union, they are able to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions with their employers.

The information below provides an overview of:

  • the process of union formation
  • recognition campaigns
  • contract bargaining
  • details about NUGW
  • a summary of protections we have under the National Labor Relations Act.

Please ask any additional questions by reaching out to your steward and/or contacting us.

What is a union?

NUGW-UE Local 1122 Membership and Dues FAQ

NUGW-UE Local 1122 Strike FAQ

FAQ last updated: March 1st, 2024

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