UI graduate workers stage protest on campus, demand higher wages

Graduate student employees at the University of Iowa are demanding a raise, citing unlivable wages that do not keep up with inflation. Their union, Campaign to Organize Student Workers, or COGS, gathered on an unusually warm afternoon Jan. 29 at noon on the Pentacrest lawn in hopes of raising awareness of their situation and to send a message to UI President Barbara Wilson. Doctoral candidate in UI’s department of history and COGS press coordinator Greg Wickenkamp said the organization wants the president to advocate for them at the Iowa Board of Regents' Feb. 27 meeting as they seek to negotiate a 25% pay raise. However, he noted that she did not respond to a letter they sent earlier.

“I'm hopeful that they'll do the right thing,” he said, of the university. “I think what we're asking for is incredibly reasonable, and would get our wage to a place where it's been in the past, as far as buying power and real wage. So I hope that they make the investment in the University of Iowa. Looking at other Big 10 schools, 18 of them, Iowa ranks 16th worst for graduate worker pay, which is pretty atrocious and goes completely against what the University says it's doing as investing in excellence.” Under the current bargaining agreement, which expires in June, the minimum salary is set at $21,969 for a 50% academic year appointment – which translates to 20 hours a week per semester. Meanwhile, employees with a 50% fiscal year appointment will receive at least $26,841. The listed working hours on the university’s website for graduate students are misleading, Mr. Wickenkamp said. “Because we care about students and because we care deeply about our research, most people I know end up putting in far excess of that,” he said. Searching for outside sources for funding to supplement their income takes time away from teaching and research and the pay raises do not keep pace with inflation, he added. “I have colleagues who go to the food bank, who rely on partners – things that are not sustainable,” he said. Additionally, graduate workers pay mandatory fees for services such as technology, mental health and student activities. In 2024, a graduate employee taking at least nine semester credit hours would pay $687.50 in fees, according to the Gazette. “I think we are not going to be competitive if this funding pattern continues,” Mr. Wickenkamp said. “People can go to many other Big Ten schools or other universities across the country that are going to offer better opportunities, more funding and more support for the workers that are holding this university together.” The 50 or so protestors, chanting “The University works because we do!”, made their way to Jessup Hall, where President Wilson’s office is located. There, they lined the hallway and passed around coffee and pastries while Cary Stough, a graduate student worker who teaches rhetoric, read aloud a letter to the president. “Year after year, graduate workers face the rising cost of living and substantial university fees,” the letter read, in part. “Your advocacy could alleviate these burdens, allowing us to work more effectively and making the University of Iowa the first choice for future graduate students. We are counting on you to be an outstanding leader and communicate to the Board of Regents that well-supported graduate workers strengthen this university’s mission. Signing this letter is a testament to your support of our right to organize and earn a living wage.” The last time COGS campaigned for a raise was in 2023 when they requested a 10% increase, but only received 3%. A request for for comment from the university was not immediately answered.