PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Temple University is cutting off pay, tuition remission and benefits like health care for graduate students participating in a strike.
Some members of the Temple University Graduate Students’ Association (TUGSA) have been on strike since Jan. 31. The union and the university negotiated for years but could not reach an agreement.
Among their demands, graduate students are asking for a 50% salary increase, starting at $32,000; health care coverage that extends to dependents; and 45 paid parental leave days instead of five.
A spokesperson for Temple University said it is doing what state law requires, and that it is only withholding pay and benefits for students who don’t work during the strike. About 80% of unionized grad students have remained on the job, the school noted.
Some students on strike shared the email they received from the university, which said they have until March 9 to pay their spring tuition in full. Students who do not pay will be charged a $100 late fee.
Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators — both Democrats — said the move by the university is a retaliation tactic. Sen. Bob Casey called it “unacceptable,” noting the “right to organize — and to strike — is foundational in a democracy.”
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said in a statement that the move by Temple is a “slap in the face” to the students who are fighting “for a living wage and a fair contract.”
TUGSA said last week it plans to strike until the university offers a fair contract.
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