Nearly 3,000 graduate student workers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have authorized their union to call a strike amid stalled contract negotiations over wages, healthcare, and protections for international employees. The vote on Thursday night passed overwhelmingly, with 93 percent in favor, granting UE Local 256 the authority to initiate a strike after approximately 14 unsuccessful bargaining sessions.

The graduate student union is seeking a three-year agreement that includes wage increases of 6 percent in 2026, 3.5 percent in 2027, and 3.25 percent in 2028, along with back pay for the months during which workers have been without a contract. Teaching assistants currently earn $52,329 annually, while master’s research assistants make $46,793, and doctoral research assistants earn $51,226.

Lauren Chua, president of the graduate student union and an MIT graduate student, accused the university of attempting to “break” the union and urged the administration to present a fair offer that includes a union security clause to avoid a campus crisis. The union highlighted concerns about the rising cost of living, particularly on-campus housing prices, with bargaining committee member Benjamin Velez emphasizing the need for pay that keeps pace with local expenses.

International graduate workers are also pressing for contract provisions to address their unique challenges. Their proposal includes a $1,500 subsidy and an immigration support fund starting at $350,000, with annual increases, as well as protections governing the release of worker information and safeguards against immigration enforcement actions. The union reports that while MIT has agreed to the subsidy, it has declined to engage on other international worker protections. Baltasar Dinis, an international student worker, expressed unease over the university’s refusal to incorporate these protections, noting concerns about safety and security on campus.

The unions are also seeking to maintain current health insurance terms, while MIT has proposed tripling deductibles to $300 and adding a $150 emergency room copay, according to union-shared bargaining documents.

An MIT spokesperson responded by stating the university is negotiating in good faith amid a cautious budgetary environment driven by uncertainty in federal funding and policy. The spokesperson emphasized the university’s intent to reach agreements that are fair and mindful of its financial situation.

The graduate student union’s authorization vote coincides with contract talks involving other campus workers. Approximately 600 facilities staff members—including custodians, groundskeepers, and electricians—represented by 32BJ SEIU are scheduled to vote on strike authorization this week. These workers seek wage increases, reduced healthcare premiums, and support for international employees. Meanwhile, about 39 MIT police officers have been working without a contract since July and have criticized the administration’s refusal to offer wage increases. The unions have announced a joint effort to increase pressure on the university to reach agreements.