Statement: Members First Unity Slate Condemns Columbia University’s Retaliation Against UAW Local 2710 President Grant Miner

In yet another brazen assault on the First Amendment and workers’ rights, Columbia University has fired and expelled Grant Miner, President of UAW Local 2710, just one day before contract negotiations were set to begin. This transparent act of retaliation is an attack not just on Miner, but on all workers who dare to organize and demand fair treatment.

Columbia’s actions set a dangerous precedent, making it clear that the University will stop at nothing to suppress labor power on its campus. As members of 1199SEIU, we find it unacceptable that our union leadership has yet to issue a statement condemning this blatant violation of labor rights. We represent hundreds of workers at Columbia’s medical center and are preparing for our own contract negotiations at the end of the month. Now more than ever, we must stand in solidarity—because an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us.

Throughout 1199’s history, our strength has come from mobilizing a committed and united membership, alongside our community and progressive allies. That solidarity has carried our union through many storms. Now, as Columbia escalates its attacks on student workers and labor leaders, 1199 must once again show up as a union of fighters. We must break our silence and stand with the workers of Columbia University.

We demand that Columbia reinstate Grant Miner immediately and cease all retaliation against union members and labor leaders. The labor movement’s power lies in our unity. It’s time to prove it.

Members First Unity Slate