Throughout the strike, as well as in our continued organizing efforts, we were gratified by tireless community support and worker solidarity. Individual Rochesterians and local organizations brought hot meals and coffee, joined the picket, and donated supplies, while countless drivers honked as they drove by to show their support. Roofers, delivery drivers, and waste management respected the strike and caused significant disruptions. Throughout the weeks, many of our elected officials, supportive faculty, and fellow unionized workers in higher education continually voiced their support and called on the UR administration to honor their word and support their graduate workers in good faith. We specifically thank (listed in no particular order):
- Mayor Malik Evans, who delivered a speech on Day 1 of our strike, noting that in the absence of a functional NLRB, it is up to those who hold positions of power to ensure collective bargaining rights are protected
- University of Rochester Faith Leaders UR Faith Letter.pdf
- Assemblyman Harry Bronson, who attended our November 1st, 2024, demonstration and Day 1 of the strike.
- The New York State Assembly
- The US House Labor Caucus, who publicly shared their statement of support
- Councilmember Mary Lupien, who delivered a speech on Day 1 of the strike as well as after our Commencement Day of Action, each time condemning the UR administration’s false narratives
- Councilmember Stanley Martin, who attended our press conference and joined our picket line
- The American Association of University Professors
- SEIU 1199
- SEIU Local 200United
- Teamsters Local Union No. 118
- Teamsters Local 317
- Rochester Labor Federation
- Metro Justice
- Bernie Sanders, who tweeted a statement of support weeks into our strike
- Tenants rights activist Oscar Brewer, who joined the picket line on multiple days.
- Members of NYSUT who joined our picketline.
- Members of PEF who joined our picketline.
- Food Not Bombs, which delivered meals and coffee to the picketline.
- Over 100 UR faculty members, who signed a call for the administration’s neutrality in the unionization process
- The many talented local musicians and clowns who boosted morale on the picketline.