News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania and its graduate student union, GET-UP, have reached critical agreements on three major points from a total of 26 proposals, averting a potential strike scheduled for February 17. This breakthrough comes after intensive negotiations, highlighting a commitment from both sides to address the concerns of graduate workers regarding their employment terms. The agreements mark significant progress toward establishing a comprehensive contract that protects the rights and benefits of graduate employees at the university.
Philadelphia
Penn Reaches Critical Agreements with Graduate Student Union, Averting Imminent Strike
The University of Pennsylvania and its graduate student union, Graduate Employees Together — University of Pennsylvania (GET-UP), have reached three new tentative agreements on a total of 26 proposals. These agreements were finalized in the last 48 hours, significantly reducing the likelihood of a strike that was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The breakthrough in negotiations comes just hours before the union’s deadline, a period marked by intense bargaining between the university and its graduate workers. The agreements cover a wide range of issues important to graduate students, and their successful negotiation suggests a path forward for a full contract agreement.
Key Developments Ahead of Strike Deadline
The recent tentative agreements address a substantial portion of the proposals on the table. Both parties have been actively negotiating to avert a potential work stoppage that could impact various academic functions and research activities across the university. The university and the union have now come to terms on 26 proposals.
The impending strike deadline had created a sense of urgency in the negotiations. A university spokesperson previously indicated a belief that an agreement supporting the union’s demands could be reached. These latest agreements are a testament to the ongoing dialogue and commitment from both sides to find common ground.
Background on Unionization Efforts and Strike Authorization
The possibility of a strike had been a significant concern for several months. In November 2025, GET-UP announced its intention to strike on February 17, 2026, if a comprehensive bargaining contract was not finalized. This announcement followed a decisive vote where two-thirds of all Penn graduate workers voted in favor of authorizing a strike. The authorization vote itself was the culmination of efforts that included a rally held by GET-UP on November 3, 2025, aimed at mobilizing graduate workers across the university to support a contract.
GET-UP has been advocating for improved working conditions, better wages, and comprehensive benefits for graduate employees. The union’s efforts represent a broader trend of increased organizing among graduate students at universities nationwide, seeking formal recognition and collective bargaining rights to address their concerns regarding employment terms and conditions. These negotiations are crucial for establishing a foundational contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of graduate workers at the University of Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest development between Penn and its graduate student union?
The University of Pennsylvania and its graduate student union, Graduate Employees Together — University of Pennsylvania (GET-UP), have reached three new tentative agreements on a total of 26 proposals in the last 48 hours.
What was the significance of these agreements?
These agreements significantly reduce the likelihood of a strike that was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
When was the strike deadline?
The strike deadline for the graduate student union was Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
When did Penn graduate workers authorize a strike?
In November 2025, two-thirds of all Penn graduate workers voted in favor of authorizing a strike.
What is GET-UP?
GET-UP stands for Graduate Employees Together — University of Pennsylvania, which is the university’s graduate student union.
Key Features of the Penn-GET-UP Agreements
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Parties Involved | University of Pennsylvania and Graduate Employees Together — University of Pennsylvania (GET-UP) |
| Recent Development | Three new tentative agreements reached |
| Number of Proposals Agreed Upon | 26 proposals in total |
| Impact | Significantly reduces the likelihood of an imminent strike |
| Strike Deadline | February 17, 2026 |
| Strike Authorization Vote | Two-thirds of graduate workers voted in favor in November 2025 |
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