November 9, 2018

Today, Georgetown University and the Georgetown Alliance of Graduate Employees (GAGE) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced results of an election held on Nov. 5-8, 2018 that gave approximately 1,100 graduate student assistants an opportunity to vote for union representation. Of the approximately 1,100 graduate student assistants eligible to vote, the count was 555-108, with the majority in favor of unionization. The American Arbitration Association (AAA), a neutral third party that conducted the election, has reported the election results, and will issue a final certification following a two-week period outlined in the election agreement.

The first-of-its-kind election outcome provides for union representation outside the scope of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

In response to today’s election, the following joint statement was issued by Robert M. Groves, Georgetown University’s executive vice president and provost; Dr. Edward B. Healton, Georgetown University School of Medicine’s executive vice president for health sciences and executive dean; Hailey Huget, 7th year PhD candidate, Philosophy; and AFT President Randi Weingarten.

“We have a shared belief in the important role that graduate student assistants play at Georgetown and a shared commitment to giving them a stronger voice as members of our community. We are encouraged that many graduate student assistants made their voices heard. We look forward to working together to continue efforts to improve the graduate student experience at Georgetown.”