The Coordinating Committee (or “CC”) is a group of volunteer FGSW members who keep the union running every single day!
Tasks performed by the CC range from planning actions and events to running social media.
If you’re a member and would join the cc, please let us know via our contact form (linked on the front page).
“$38.35 per hour is the pay required for a living wage for an adult with one child. We are paid far below that rate.” Shawn Brewer. Philosophy“We need a union to empower us to handle unfair working relationships externally and with due process“ Nicola Forbes, Applied Developmental Psychology “I want to unionize with my peers to have each others’ backs.” Mara Foley, Theology“We need a union in order to negotiate for a more equitable and sustainable workplace.“ Corinna Cape, English“As a single parent of two children, I have stretched my paycheck from Fordham to support my family...Our union is a way to make sure they show real respect for the work they do, rather than offering empty thank-yous!” Benjamin Van Dyne, Theology“Fordham’s own pricing suggests that they should be paying us at least $44,000 to constitute a living wage in New York City. Let’s hold them to that.” Molly McCargar, Biology“Fordham’s graduate student workers deserve to have a voice and play a role in our treatment, something we don’t have right now“ Amanda Esau, Ethics and Society“Unionizing means that we will be able to advocate and secure fair treatment by the university, so that we can refocus our energy and passion on our work.” Anya Wang, Philosophy“Without funding for three months or the ability to work off campus legally, international graduate students are in a particularly precarious position over the summer.” Amal Zaman, English“We need a union to ensure that we are paid sufficiently to live in NYC and successfully perform the work we are here for.” Matthew Siebert, Theology“I believe in the dignity of work and the need for a living wage and better health insurance.“ Rachel Contos, Theology“I want to be a part of a union because I believe it is the only way grad students will secure a contract that ensures a living wage.” Philip Balla, Theology“The unfair expectations of my work these past two years has made it impossible for me to have the time I need to teach well, research well, and spend time with my family.“ Michael Au-Mullaney, Philosophy“I want a Union to have a strong support system for international graduate students like me.“ Anwita Ghosh, English“I don’t believe being rich, healthy, and child-free should be requirements to do the work we do, and the union is how we can stand together in solidarity to achieve that.” Alfredo Dueñas, Philosophy “I want a union, because this is the only way to address these issues and create an equitable and just workplace.” Jill Fowle, Applied Developmental Psychology“Graduate student workers are a workforce. Universities cannot function without us.“ Mark Himmelstein, Quantitative Psychology“Second year in PQP. I like stats.” Fabio Setti, Psychology“I want a union because I’m tired of grad student workers, like myself, being unable to afford basic necessities with Fordham’s grad student pay and insurance“ Danny Lorenzi, Quantitative Psychology“I want a Union because I want a workplace where I play a role in the decision making process, and have a mechanism to turn to when I want something to change.” Uttara Rangarajan, English“I believe that forming a union can bring back the spirit of our university, in a way that unites every valuable part of the graduate community.” Luyuan August Yu, Philosophy“I want all of us to have rights that are enforced and protected, and to have a voice in decisions that affect our lives.” Gabs Ilagan, Clinical Psychology“Grad student workers at Fordham have been treated with disrespect and a complete lack of humanity and consideration for far too long.“ Vincent Donofrio, Clinical Psychology“I want a union so we are better-equipped to advocate for ourselves and the accommodations we need to perform our jobs well, in decent health and with some modicum of well-being.” Rachel Bloom, Applied Developmental Psychology“Graduate student workers who earn a living wage, have affordable, comprehensive medical benefits, and feel safe speaking out about their own grievances create a better education for all Fordham students“ Ken Bruce, Philosophy“Graduate students should not be forgoing necessary dental, eye, or healthcare because we cannot afford it.” Preston Carter, Philosophy“I want a union because it will enable us to bargain for better, affordable, and more comprehensive healthcare for myself and my family.” Frances Eshleman, History“I want a workplace where I can be protected as an employee, even as I’m also studying.“ Jay Plourde, Quantitative Psychology“I want a workplace where every worker is respected and secure in their employment.“ Jenna McAllister, Philosophy“Representation via a union would enable us to negotiate for the compensation and treatment we deserve, and provide a more equitable opportunity for those hoping to pursue graduate studies.” Anthony Fortuna, Clinical Psychology“I want a union because…we will have real power to change and improve our working conditions at the University.” Wei Ye, Economics“A union will allow us to fight for the recognition and benefits required to maintain our general well-being.“ Seth Cunningham, Biology“We care deeply for what we do and we don’t do it for the money, but we deserve to not live in constant possible precarity.” Tore Levander, Philosophy“I believe we should all have a voice when it comes to our livelihood and safety. “ William Hogue, History“I want all graduate workers to be respected, compensated, and represented as if we are the functioning pieces of our university—because we are. “ Cristina Nardini, Clinical Psychology“As an international student, surviving over the summer with no stipend is challenging. Our union will fight for the resources that we all deserve.“ Wing Tan Lai, English“I am a first-year PhD student and a communist. And the stench of exploitation is the most repulsing thing to me, and it’s everywhere at Fordham.” Joel Flores, Philosophy“Jesuit teaching implores us to be “men and women for others.” A Union can help Fordham live up to these values by providing graduate students working for the university a voice to negotiate a livable wage.“ Liam Engel, Biology“We deserve a voice in determining our own working conditions. It’s time for us to enuciate that, I believe a union for grad workers is how we can.” Nicholas McIntosh, Philosophy“As graduate workers I believe we deserve respect and transparency from our employer. A union is essential for graduate workers like myself have a say in *our* working conditions.” Lia Fior, Philosophy“A union means fighting for the same curapersonalis that we work to realize for others every day.” Christopher Myers, Philosophy
