Collective Bargaining Agreement
On Sept. 12, 2025, Emory University and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Southern Region reached a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) following more than a year of collaborative and good faith negotiations (read the Emory News announcement).
The CBA between Emory and SEIU Southern Region covers PhD students in the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies who provide research and instructional services to the University. The agreement establishes rates of pay, benefits, working hours, and other terms and conditions of work for Emory PhD students through August 24, 2027.
On Nov. 28, 2023, a ballot count determined that a majority of Emory PhD students voted in favor of being represented by SEIU Southern Region. The University began negotiating with the union in April 2024 to develop terms and conditions of work.
Emory University and the James T. Laney School of Graduate Studies remain fully committed to providing graduate students with an outstanding academic experience. The University’s commitment to graduate students is reflected in its dedication to academic excellence, supportive community, and transformative scholarship.
For Questions
Faculty, staff and students who have questions may direct their inquiries to phdunioninfo@emory.edu.