Last year, eligible graduate and professional school students voted in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a graduate worker union, known as Local 33–UNITE HERE. On December 8, 2023, after nine months of good-faith bargaining, the union and university reached a tentative agreement on a five-year contract. Union members have now voted to ratify the contract, which is now in place and effective through July 31, 2028.

This new contract reflects negotiations between Local 33–UNITE HERE and Yale that were conducted with collegiality and respect. Throughout the election and negotiation processes, the university has been guided by its commitment to the educational and research mission and to the well-being and success of all its students and graduate workers.

This new contract affirms the significant role of graduate workers at Yale and includes meaningful increases in compensation, benefit enhancements, and provisions to ensure positive and safe working conditions.

The university will now begin implementing the contract’s provisions, working with faculty, staff, and graduate worker partners across campus. I anticipate that many questions will arise during this process. Early in the new year, we will provide information to help the community fully understand the contract’s terms, details on where to direct questions about the contract, and updates on resources to support faculty as they address the contract’s financial and operational impacts. I seek your patience and engagement as we navigate this important transition together.