One Year Later: Lessons from the Rutgers Strike
A year after the University faculty strike, a gathering was held to remember the event.
The gathering, titled “Strike-iversary,” was hosted by unions representing approximately 9,000 faculty members including the Rutgers American Association of University Professors the American Federation of Teachers (AAUP-AFT), and the Part-Time Lecturers Faculty Chapter (PTLFC).
The “Strike-iversary” took place at Voorhees Mall on the College Avenue campus, the same spot where the strike had happened a year before.
Students and faculty members also congregated to bring attention to the changes of the Writing Programs.
The week-long strike ended when a tentative agreement was reached with the school.
In 2023, the strike impacted about 67,000 students, after the unions had months of unsuccessful negotiations between the unions and university officials. Key issues included salary increases and the rights of part-time faculty and graduate workers.
Senior chemistry student Cassie Scott stood with professors, wanting them to get better wages.
“I want to not only have a good education, but a normal college experience,” Scott said, “My first year at Rutgers was during COVID, and then my junior year Spring semester ended with a strike. It was a fun week though.”
Students had no classes for a week, creating free time for students to do whatever they wanted.
Scott said, “I reflect on that week a lot. It felt like college was ‘college-ing’. Bands were playing in the Voorhees mall in solidarity with the unions.”
Not only were students enjoying the week of no classes, but they were also supporting the cause.
Junior communications student Rebecca Fishman recalls repeating the chants and walking with the picket lines.
“There is a sense of community here. The community needed my help, so I helped,” Fishman stated.
Mia Chang, an exercise science major who was a sophomore during the strike, shared her experience.
“It was obviously something I’ve never experienced before. It felt surreal, and watching the strike made me feel empowered and want to fight for their justice too.”
The strike not only brought attention to the need for fair treatment of faculty and graduate workers but also demonstrated the power of a united community fighting for social justice. When individuals come together to support one another and demand change, it can lead to significant improvements in working conditions and overall quality of life.
The “Strike-iversary” served as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right and the impact that collective action can have on a community. It also highlighted the resilience and determination of the Rutgers community, as they continue to work towards creating a more equitable and just environment for all.
As Rutgers University progresses in the aftermath of the historic strike, it is essential to keep the lessons learned at the forefront of decision-making processes. The strike served as a powerful reminder that social justice should be a core value in all aspects of campus life, from the classroom to the administrative offices. By prioritizing respect, fairness, and equal opportunity, Rutgers can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all members of its community.
To achieve this goal, the university must actively work to address systemic inequalities and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard and valued. This involves regularly engaging in open and honest dialogue with faculty, staff, and students to identify areas where improvements can be made. It also means investing in resources and programs that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, such as training for faculty and staff, support services for underrepresented groups, and initiatives to increase access to higher education for marginalized communities.
Rutgers should strive to be a leader in social justice education, incorporating these principles into its curriculum and research activities. By educating students about the importance of social justice and equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become agents of change, the university can have a lasting impact on society as a whole.
Ultimately, the strike at Rutgers University was a watershed moment that highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of standing up for what is right. As the university moves forward, it must honor the sacrifices made by those who participated in the strike and continue to work towards building a more just and equitable society. By doing so, Rutgers can create a lasting legacy of positive change that will benefit generations to come.
Written by: Alina Lim, Kenzie Trikouros