Updated PhD Union FAQ

Johns Hopkins and TRU-UE Local 197 

Does Johns Hopkins support graduate student union activity? 

Yes. Johns Hopkins values the contributions of its graduate student workers and fully respects the right of graduate students to organize and engage in lawful union activity, including demonstration and other forms of expression. Such activity must comply with university policies, which support and protect the entire community, maintain a welcoming academic environment and recognize the union’s contractual obligations.

What is the status of the relationship between Johns Hopkins and TRU-UE Local 197? 

The university regularly conducts outreach to the union and its leadership to develop a collaborative bargaining relationship, including on numerous occasions over the last two years to remind the union and its leaders of the importance of following the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and university policy. Unfortunately, that outreach is often ignored or rebuffed.  

Why does the union need to follow university policies if it has a collective bargaining agreement? 

The collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is clear in requiring the union and bargaining unit members to follow university policies, including as a condition for access to university resources and facilities and specifically to ensure “an inclusive and equitable working environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.”The union negotiated these terms, and its members voted to approve the contract. 

Information for PhD Student Workers 

Do university policies apply to TRU-UE and its leaders and members? 

Yes. Every member of the Hopkins community has the right to learn and work free from discrimination. University policies apply to all individuals and groups present on our campuses – including students, employees, guests, and both affiliated or non-affiliated organizations. The union and its members and leaders are no exception.

To illustrate this point: OIE recently determined following a thorough investigation that a Hopkins PhD student worker who was attempting to attend a union meeting was denied union membership on the basis of the student worker’s religion. This is a serious violation of university policy and reinforces why these protections must apply equally to everyone on campus.

What are the rights and responsibilities of a PhD student worker represented by the union? 

PhD students at Johns Hopkins have rights and responsibilities under both the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and university policies. The CBA is clear in requiring the union and bargaining unit members to follow university policies. For example, in return for access to university facilities, the CBA requires that the union not disrupt normal business or classroom activities, and requires the union to “comply with applicable University policies on access to the campus and relevant health, safety, and national security regulations.” Union membership does not exempt members from university policies on these topics.

What is the Office of Institutional Equity (OIE), and what does it investigate? 

OIE investigates complaints of discrimination, harassment, and sexual misconduct under university policy and federal law (including Title VI). OIE conducts impartial investigations by interviewing the complainant, the respondent, and any witnesses to ensure fairness for everyone involved. More information about the OIE can be found here. 

Does Title VI apply to union members and union representatives? 

Title VI is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination and retaliation based on certain protected classes and applies to entities and organizations receiving federal funds. This federal law requires JHU to provide a campus free of harassment and discrimination, which includes investigating all complaints of harassment and discrimination involving any individual on campus, and taking appropriate actions based on the outcome of the investigation. To meet these obligations, the university has adopted policies and procedures that apply to all individuals and entities operating on its campuses, inclusive of the union and its members. Everyone at JHU is subject to and must comply with the university’s policies prohibiting discrimination, harassment and retaliation, and all are subject to the OIE process for investigating related complaints. 

What should PhD students do if asked to participate in an OIE investigation? 

If you are named in an OIE complaint, you have the right to decide whether or to what extent to participate in the investigation. Participating allows you to share your perspective, present evidence, and defend yourself if accused of misconduct. If you decline to participate in an OIE investigation, OIE must proceed without your input, which can result in findings based solely on the complainant’s account and any other available evidence.