UCW-CWA Workers Rally for Higher Wages

Campus workers at the University of South Carolina (United Campus Workers-CWA Local 3765) rallied last week to demand higher wages, starting with a minimum wage of $20/hr. The gathered rallied on campus in front of President Michael Amiridis’ mansion, where they delivered a petition with over one thousand signatures supporting their calls for higher wages and increases to work stipends for graduate workers and staff. UCW-CWA member Victor Pond said, “We’re asking for just enough to live and eat. In my first semester, I really struggled to pay my rent and eat at the same time. And a lot of other grad students have it even worse. We deserve to be paid for our labor.”

UCW-CWA Local 3765 won a $15 minimum wage in 2021 and participated in a lobby day in February, during which they spoke directly with Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su about the need for fair pay and better labor conditions in higher education. Su expressed support for UCW-CWA’s mission and encouraged campus workers to continue organizing.

 
UCW-CWA Local 3765 members rallied in front of the president’s mansion on the campus of the University of South Carolina in Columbia to demand higher wages and increases to work stipends.