The union representing academic student workers at The New School, SENS-UAW, has received approval from the majority of its members to go on strike, if necessary. They have reached a 94% “yes” votes to authorize a strike after extending the deadline for voting to today, Feb. 23.

This does not mean the union will initiate a strike immediately, but it has the ability to do so if deemed necessary. “I think today is really important in signifying that we have the power and support of our members behind us,” said bargaining committee member Lenny Black. “The overwhelming support for the strike shows that it’s not just the few of us at the bargaining table fighting for these things, it’s the whole membership.”

If the union decides one is necessary, they will set a strike date. This is the date by which negotiations with the university must conclude, otherwise a strike will be called. “The message that they’re sending time and again in negotiations is that unless you threaten to shut the university down, you’re not getting anything,” said ACT-UAW Local 7902 President Zoe Carey. 

After extending voting until today, Feb. 23 at 5 p.m. to maximize participation, the union has received votes from 77% of union membership, according to a recent Instagram post. The post stated that of those polled, 94% voted in favor of strike authorization. According to the UAW, a ⅔ majority vote is required for a bargaining committee to authorize a strike. 

In a statement from Feb. 21, New School Vice President of Human Resources Sonya Williams said, “While a ‘yes’ outcome does not mean an actual strike is planned or will occur, the university is committed to working hard to reach an agreement on a new contract as soon as possible.” 

Negotiation sessions are scheduled for Monday, Feb. 26, as well as March 1 and 8. 

If negotiations continue to stall the union will take the next step of setting a strike date. According to its Instagram, the union remains committed to reaching a contract agreement for its members. In one post, they stated regarding the authorization vote, “It’s clear the university doesn’t take this negotiation seriously, and it’s time to show them that we do.” 

Local 7902 President Carey said, “Taking a strike authorization vote is not something the bargaining committee considered lightly. Especially knowing that our community went through that trauma not even two years ago. But, sadly, the university has shown that they will not make movement unless there’s a threat of closing down the entire university.”