University of Michigan Graduate Student Researchers Vote to Join Union

Over 2,200 graduate student research assistants join the Graduate Employees Organization Local 3550 of the American Federation of Teachers.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:51pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a graduate student's mortar board hat repeated in a tight grid pattern, in the style of Andy Warhol. The image utilizes flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the iconic symbol of academic achievement into modern pop art.The successful unionization of graduate student researchers at the University of Michigan represents a milestone in the ongoing efforts of academic workers to secure better pay, benefits, and workplace protections.Ann Arbor Today

In a historic vote, over 2,200 graduate student research assistants at the University of Michigan have voted to join the union representing graduate student instructors and staff. The vote, which saw 92% of research assistants vote in favor, comes after decades of efforts to restore the right to unionize for this group of graduate workers.

Why it matters

The successful unionization drive represents a significant milestone for graduate workers at the University of Michigan, who have long sought collective bargaining rights to address issues around pay, healthcare, workplace conditions, and other concerns. The move aligns the research assistants with the existing Graduate Employees' Organization, strengthening the voice of graduate workers on campus.

The details

After the Michigan Employment Relations Commission ruled in 1981 that graduate student research assistants were not considered employees under state law, they were barred from unionizing. However, that right was restored in 2023, paving the way for this week's accretion election. According to the union, 92% of the over 2,200 graduate student research assistants voted in favor of joining the Graduate Employees Organization Local 3550 of the American Federation of Teachers.

  • The accretion election took place on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
  • The union announced the successful vote on Monday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Graduate Employees Organization Local 3550 of the American Federation of Teachers

The union representing graduate student instructors and staff at the University of Michigan.

Kevin Zheng

A PhD student in the School of Information at the University of Michigan and member of the Graduate Employees Organization.

Paul Corliss

Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Internal Communications at the University of Michigan.

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What they’re saying

“No matter what job title graduate students hold, we face the same pay, same healthcare, same advisors, and same workplace issues. Furthermore, each of us switch between these positions each semester: I worked as a Fellow last year, as a Research Assistant this year, and will be working as a Graduate Student Instructor in the fall. It only makes sense for us to be represented and organized together under the same union.”

— Kevin Zheng, PhD student, School of Information

“At the University of Michigan we recognize and support the fundamental right of employees to seek union representation and to bargain collectively. We value our relationship with the graduate researchers and the important work they do for our university.”

— Paul Corliss, Assistant Vice President for Public Affairs and Internal Communications

What’s next

The Graduate Employees' Organization said its membership would continue to bargain with the University's Human Resources department, seeking a campus free of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, additional protections for international workers and to close gaps in existing benefits like health care, parental leave, child care support and workplace safety.

The takeaway

This successful unionization drive represents a significant victory for graduate workers at the University of Michigan, who have fought for decades to secure collective bargaining rights. The move aligns the research assistants with the existing Graduate Employees' Organization, strengthening the voice of graduate workers on campus as they seek to address longstanding issues around pay, benefits, and workplace conditions.