Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers and Grinnell College Sign Three-year Contract

The Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW) and Grinnell College have signed a three-year contract governing all student employment at the College. The contract has been ratified by a vote of UGSDW membership.

Key provisions of the historic agreement include just cause protections such as standard progressive discipline and grievance processes, a structure to address job performance of student workers holding academic positions, and a wage increase to $13.50, increasing to $14.04 over the term of the contract. Community advisors may choose between compensation through a room grant or a stipend. The agreement is the first in the nation between a college and an independent union representing all undergraduate student workers.

“Grinnell College values the contributions of student workers and is pleased to have an agreement that clarifies students’ role as employees and their role as students, with the understanding that they are students first,” said Jana Grimes, Vice President of Human Resources. “The College has invested in a student employment office that will work in partnership with UGSDW as this contract is implemented.”