Members of the Nevada Graduate Student Workers Union held press conferences in Reno and Las Vegas to deliver a letter signed by a majority of Nevada legislators to the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) leadership. The letter urged university officials to recognize the union and begin collective bargaining.
The graduate assistants highlighted the vital work they perform at Nevada universities, but many face financial and professional instability. They lack basic workplace protections, struggle to afford housing and food, and face issues such as food insecurity, workplace harassment, and unstable appointments.
With over 2,500 graduate assistants supporting the union, NSHE has not yet recognized the union, citing concerns over collective bargaining. The union has gathered support from more than two-thirds of graduate assistants across the state, and lawmakers are now getting involved to support their cause. Assemblywoman Erica Roth, a union member, pledged to support a bill introduced by Senator Roberta Lange in the current legislative session to help the graduate students.
The graduate assistants are advocating for a workplace where their rights and safety are respected, and they deserve fair compensation for the work they do. It is time for NSHE to recognize their union and come to the table for negotiations. Their advocacy has gained traction in the Nevada Legislature, and lawmakers are committed to supporting legislation to assist graduate students.
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