SAG-AFTRA Joins in Solidarity with BUGWU

On March 25, a chilly 38 degrees couldn’t keep a group of SAG-AFTRA members from supporting their Boston University Graduate Workers Union siblings as they kicked off their first day on strike. BUGWU, a union of human service providers and educators in Massachusetts represented by SEIU Local 509, began its strike following eight months of negotiations with Boston University. 

With hundreds of people in attendance at the strike rally at Marsh Plaza in Boston, BUGWU members, including SAG-AFTRA member Andrew Justin Smith, spoke on why they are demanding that Boston University bargain in good faith to achieve a fair contract. Rally supporters included U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren. About 3,000 master’s, professional and Ph.D. graduate students workers are on strike for improved pay and benefits. 

Photo: At the rally are union members, from left, BUGWU and SAG-AFTRA member Andrew Justin Smith, Monty the union dog, SAG-AFTRA member George J. Vezina, and SAG-AFTRA New England Board member Liz Eng. Photo provided by Liz Eng.