IGWC Covers Thousands of Dollars in Late Fees

By our estimate, IU’s decision to schedule the first payday after September 1st collectively cost graduate workers nearly $23,000—almost a year’s pay—in late fees alone. Graduate workers who had carefully budgeted trips home were forced to borrow money from friends and family when they realized there would be no paycheck in August. One graduate worker told us that their lease terms meant they were a single day away from the start of the eviction process. When IU pays so far below the living wage, even minor disruptions have devastating impacts. A living wage is a necessity, not an luxury.

Thanks to the solidarity between graduate students and supporters, every graduate worker who requested aid received it. IGWC was able to fully cover late fees for the majority graduate workers who requested aid. For the remaining graduate workers, IGWC was able to cover on average more than half of their expenses.

To cover these fees, IGWC matched contributions to the Emergency Mutual Aid Fund using our operating budget from Voluntary Dues. These dues not only keep the organization strong, but allow IGWC to directly support members when the situation arises. If you value the work IGWC does to fight for a living wage and collective bargaining but don’t have time to organize, dues are a great way ensure that fight can continue.

Contribute Voluntary Dues

Want to help improve working conditions and pay for graduate workers? Talk to your Department Organizer or join our Organizing Committee Meetings every Wednesday at 5pm at Canterbury House (719 E 7th St)!

United We Bargain, Divided We Beg.