After a long day of picketing, mobilization and action from University workers during move-in, Shawn Fain, president of the UAW, spoke at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday and applauded the ongoing strike at Cornell.
“The American working class is in a fight for our lives, and if you don’t believe me, just last night, blue collar workers — UAW members — at Cornell University had to walk out on strike for a better life because they’re fighting corporate greed,” Fain said. “Our only hope is to attack corporate greed head on.”
Fain’s high-profile rebuke of Cornell’s administration came before an audience of top Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Tim Walz and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
A strike began on Sunday night for over 1,000 Cornell food service workers, mechanics, custodians and other University employees.
The picketing comes after the University and UAW Local 2300 — the union representing around 1,200 Cornell employees — failed to reach an agreement to avert the move-in week strike by the union’s Sunday night deadline.
UAW Local 2300’s demands include improvements in workplace safety, wage increases consistent with increases in the cost of living and free parking.
Matthew Kiviat is a member of the Class of 2027 in the College of Arts and Sciences. He is the assistant managing editor for the 143rd Editorial Board and was a news editor for the 142nd Editorial Board. He can be reached at mkiviat@cornellsun.com.
