On Oct. 20, the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation and the University of Oregon Student Workers Union stood in solidarity outside of Johnson Hall at UO to bargain for a better campus. 
Back in March of 2023, a similar rally was held by the two campus labor unions to launch the bargaining session of GTFF. Today, its members reflect on the progress they have made thus far. 
Rosa Inocencio Smith, vice president of member communication for GTFF, said today the two unions are standing together to show that “UO works because they do” — a slogan chanted repeatedly at this rally by the proud and passionate members. 
“What we are trying to underscore today is the fact that both of these groups of workers are organizing as workers because that organizing makes for a better campus for everybody,” she said. 
After declaring an impasse yesterday, Oct. 19, GTFF looks toward the future.
“As GTFF enters the next stage of our bargaining and as UO student workers is holding its union election we are here showing the whole campus that UO works because we do,” Smith said. 
Emily Beatty, vice president of external relations for GTFF, said today was a moment to talk to the broader community and campus allies. 
“We declared impasse with the university yesterday and for us, that symbolizes that we’re simply still too far apart on what our expectations are and what this contract needs to achieve for our membership,” they said. 
Beatty said that the work of GTFF overlaps with the UO student workers and the undergraduate election which could potentially certify them as the largest undergraduate student worker union in the country. 
“I think much of the priorities are the same,” they said, reflecting on the rally last March. “Even though it’s been many months since we’ve had our first kick-off rally, we’re still fighting for dignity, we’re still fighting for the university to recognize the importance of our fights as works to get fair compensation.”

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GTFF and UOSW members gather on the steps of UO’s Johnson Hall in protest for contract revisions and fairer pay. (Eliott Coda/Emerald)