University of Maine System, graduate student workers’ union achieve first collective bargaining agreement

The three-year agreement overwhelmingly ratified today positions Maine's public universities as a national destination for graduate student education, research and employment

ORONO, Maine - The University of Maine System (UMS) has achieved its first collective bargaining agreement with part-time graduate student workers, acknowledging their essential role in education and research while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

The three-year contract between the System and the University of Maine Graduate Workers Union-UAW (UMGWU) that was ratified tonight by a vote of 438-3 positions Maine's public universities as a national destination for graduate student education, research and employment.

"This agreement achieves the right balance - recognizing that graduate student workers deserve fair compensation and working conditions that reflect their essential role in our education and research mission, while also upholding our responsibility to keep Maine's public universities affordable for students and taxpayers," said Chancellor Dannel Malloy and Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and University of Maine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy in a joint statement. "We commend both bargaining teams for staying focused on the best interests of our students and public universities during these difficult negotiations, and thank our graduate student workers for their invaluable contributions that strengthen our System's impact across Maine and beyond. With this agreement ratified, we can now move forward together delivering upward mobility through world-class education and research."

The new contract will provide:

• Immediate ratification bonus: A one-time $750 bonus for the approximately 900 part-time graduate student workers represented by UMGWU will be paid within 60 days of today's ratification.
• Substantial stipend increases: For example, the nine-month stipend for represented UMaine master's students who work 20 hours per week will increase from $17,000 to $21,000 effective July 1, 2026, and for doctoral students from $20,000 to $23,500. The minimum stipends at other UMS universities will increase by $3,000 for master's and $5,000 for doctoral union members.
• Guaranteed annual stipend increases: The minimum stipends for part-time graduate student workers will increase by 3% in the second year of the contract and 3.5% in the third year.
• University-funded student worker health insurance: UMaine will pay 65% of premium costs for those enrolled in the graduate student worker health insurance plan in the first two years of the contract, increasing that contribution to 85% in the third year. The flagship will also contribute 50% toward the premium for one dependent of each covered graduate student worker.
• University-funded dental insurance: UMaine will pay 50% of the premium cost for those enrolled in the graduate student workers' dental insurance plan.
• Free tuition that leads to high-value degrees and meaningful careers: UMS will waive nine credit hours of tuition per fall/spring semester for most part-time graduate student workers, valued at $10,314 annually based on current rates.

The System's Board of Trustees is expected to vote to give final approval to the contract at their next regular meeting, which is scheduled for Jan. 26 in Orono. It would take immediate effect, though pay and benefit provisions will begin on July 1, 2026 - the start of the System's next fiscal year.

More than 90% of UMGWU's members are research and teaching assistants at UMaine, the only institution in the state to have achieved R1 Carnegie Classification for research performance and productivity. Unlike many other research universities in the nation, UMaine has maintained admission and financial offers for graduate students this year despite the loss of federal grants and contracts. Additionally, the flagship secured $250,000 in philanthropic funding (External Site) through its Foundation to support paid research opportunities and degree progress for graduate students impacted by terminated or paused awards.

In 2023, UMS voluntarily recognized the UAW to represent approximately 900 part-time graduate student workers across Maine's public universities without requiring a lengthy certification process. The System additionally has six other bargaining units, including: Associated Clerical Office Laboratory Technical Staff of the Universities of Maine (ACSUM/COLT), Associated Faculties of the University of Maine System, Maine Part-Time Faculty Association (PATFA), Police Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #100, Service & Maintenance (S&M) Teamsters Union Local #340 and the Universities of Maine Professional Staff Association (UMPSA).

About the University of Maine System

The University of Maine System (UMS) is the state's largest driver of educational attainment and economic development and its seven public universities and law school are the most affordable in New England. Over the past two decades, UMS has awarded 106,362 degrees and spurred and strengthened thousands of small Maine businesses through its world-class research and development activities. For more information, visit https://www.maine.edu.

Media Contact:

Samantha WarrenChief External & Governmental Affairs Officer207-632-0389 / [email protected]