Johns Hopkins grad student-workers picket as contract negotiations stall

One year ago, graduate student-workers at Johns Hopkins University overwhelmingly voted to unionize under the banner of Teachers and Researchers United (TRU-UE), which is affiliated with United Electrical, Radio, and Machine Workers. While workers had much to celebrate with their historic union election victory, bargaining a first contract with the university administration has been another story. On February 20, fed up with what workers say have been disrespectful and insufficient offers from the university administration, TRU-UE members held practice pickets on campus to show the administration what's in store if more progress is not made at the bargaining table soon. In this on-the-ground episode, we take you straight to the picket line to hear from worker-organizers about what they're fighting for and what they're asking supporters to do to help. Speakers include: Janvi Madhani, TRU Bargaining Committee member pursuing a PhD in Physics and Astronomy; Lyla Atta, TRU organizer and MD-PhD candidate in Biomedical Engineering; Jeffrey Davis, Bargaining Committee member and grad worker studying Physics and Astronomy; Emily Hoppe, Contract Action Team Organizer, School of Nursing; and Zeke Cohen, Johns Hopkins alumnus and City Councilman for Baltimore City's First District. Additional links/info below… Teachers and Researchers United (TRU-UE) website , Facebook page, Twitter/X page, and Instagram Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, " Now or never: Grad Student-Workers at Johns Hopkins Mobilize Ahead of Union Election " Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, " These Workers Are Making Baltimore a Union Town Again " Maximillian Alvarez, The Real News Network, " Johns Hopkins University Graduate Students Are Organizing for a Living Wage " Ryan Quinn, Inside Higher Ed, " Johns Hopkins Grad Students Successfully Unionize " Permanent links below... Leave us a voicemail and we might play it on the show! Labor Radio / Podcast Network website , Facebook page, and Twitter page In These Times website , Facebook page, and Twitter page The Real News Network website , YouTube channel, podcast feeds, Facebook page, and Twitter page Featured Music... Jules Taylor, "Working People" Theme Song Jules Taylor, "John L. Handcox Remix" Studio Production: Maximillian Alvarez Post-Production: Jules Taylor Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer: Donate: https://therealnews.com/donate-pod Sign up for our newsletter: https://therealnews.com/newsletter-pod Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/therealnews Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/therealnews Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-news-podcast--2952221/support. Help us continue producing radically independent news and in-depth analysis by following us and becoming a monthly sustainer. Follow us on: Bluesky: @therealnews.com Facebook: The Real News Network Twitter: @TheRealNews YouTube: @therealnews Instagram: @therealnewsnetwork Become a member and join the Supporters Club for The Real News Podcast today!