Vermont Business Magazine The Goddard College Staff Union (GCSU) voted yesterday evening to suspend our strike and return to work on Friday, April 21, after reaching a tentative agreement with Goddard College Corporation. Members have been out since March 24, marking 28 days on strike.
Workers won a real increase in wages for those making under $20 an hour and increased time off in recognition of staff’s sacrifices, while also rejecting a so-called “management rights” clause. Members will vote on whether to ratify the final agreement in the coming days.
Trevor Utton, co-chair of GCSU said, “I am incredibly proud and energized by how much progress has been made toward a just and thriving Goddard College through the efforts and organizing of the Goddard College Staff Union membership along with the students, faculty, and community members supporting us.”
"Our Staff Union members are humbled by the overwhelming support of students, faculty, alumni as well as organizational and community support nationwide. We recognize the power of sacrifices, donations, care, and courage embodied by our supporters, allies and members."
Danielle Kutner, co-chair of GCSU, explained, “In line with Goddard’s own mission, GCSU collectively decided to take imaginative and responsible action to improve working conditions which are necessarily students’ learning conditions. I am honored to be part of a community that has such passion and care for Goddard College. I am very enthusiastic about the steps GCSU intends to take moving forward to support our students and faculty in their deeply transformative and important work.”
The work before and during the strike to strengthen Goddard College for a new era based on its founding principles will continue. The Staff Union said it invites the Goddard College community and our allies to support Goddard College, apply to Goddard College, and come to Goddard College’s Vermont campus.
“During our strike we learned the benefits of shared decision-making and leadership; we strengthened our union’s organizational capacity and our members self-confidence and resolve; we built a solidarity network that includes individuals, Vermont legislators, and labor and civic organizations locally and nationally. Just as importantly we resuscitated and built new trust—with those present at the other side of the bargaining table, Leesa Stewart and Noah Coburn,” said outgoing co-chair and bargaining team member Manuel O’Neill.
Together the Staff Union said it believes we can grow our community of social justice-minded thinkers, makers and doers to ensure Goddard College continues to reflect the words of its mission statement to “challenge ourselves and each other to embrace uncertainty, experiment, and imagine unexpected outcomes” while holding our actions “to the highest standards of integrity, authenticity, and compassion.”
Source: 4.20.2023. Plainfield, VT - UAW Local 2322
