About
The first independent undergraduate labor union in the country, UGSDW is a democratic organization that fights for fair wages and working conditions for Grinnell College workers.
Our Principles
- Workers deserve a voice. Without student workers, there would be no food, no library, no mentor sessions, no mail delivery. We do vital work for the college. Some students work 20 hours a week. We should have a say in how we work.
- We’re stronger together. Change only happens when we come together and take a stand. It’s easy to ignore one worker. It’s not so easy to ignore all of us.
- Democracy! A union can only work if it is truly run by its members. That means transparency. That means frequent elections. That means a bottom-up approach where members, not officers, pick priorities and make decisions.
Our History
The Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers was started in the spring of 2016, elected with a 91% margin by employees to represent the student dining workers. In April of 2022, we expanded to become the first wall-to-wall undergraduate labor union, which includes all student workers at Grinnell College. We’ve also and negotiated multiple contracts, including the first wall-to-wall undergraduate contract. We’ve fought for, and won:
- Wage increases to $13.50 an hour
- Just cause employment for all student workers
- A grievance procedure with a third-party arbitrator having the final say
- The ability to bargain over workplace rules changes, workplace eliminations, and reductions in force
- Paid rest breaks
Get Involved
Grinnell College relies on student workers to run it. In fact, the college wouldn’t exist without student workers. The more student workers take action to improve their conditions, the more pressure the college will have to meet our demands. UGSDW is constantly fighting to win better treatment for all workers across campus, from higher wages to a grievance procedure to protections against unjust firings. Get more involved in the decision making processes by becoming a member, joining a Union campaign or leadership position, and keeping up to date on our actions and events by following UGSDW on instagram or facebook. Become a member here, then check your email for updates!
Leadership
UGSDW is led by the Executive Board, which is elected yearly by the membership. The Board is comprised of our President, Secretary-Treasurer, a number of at-large members, and several appointed advisors, who do not have voting power.
Jasper Butler-Kurth President
ugsdw.org@gmail.com
Kyra Pruszinski and Mariposa Condron Secretary-Treasurer
pruszins@grinnell.edu and condronm@grinnell.edu
Akira (Keene) Teotrakool Member At Large
teotrako@grinnell.edu
Donovan Wilcox Member At Large
wilcoxdo@grinnell.edu
Neva Zamil Member At Large
zamilnev@grinnell.edu
Julie Howard Member At Large
howardju@grinnell.edu
Margo Male Member At Large
malemarg@grinnell.edu
Nate Richmond Member At Large
richmond@grinnell.edu
Morgan Smith Advisor
smithmor@grinnell.edu
Conrad Dahm Advisor
dahmconr@grinnell.edu