Two months ago, the Graduate Workers of Columbia-UAW (GWC-UAW) announced their plan to hold a strike vote. Last night, the results of that vote were tallied: 93% voted to authorize a strike. The goal of the strike would be to force Columbia to recognize their right to unionize.

According to the GWC-UAW, 1,968 valid votes were cast; 1,832 of them were in favor of a strike. Only 136 “no” votes were cast. GWC-UAW calls this overwhelming support for a strike “a clear and decisive mandate from a majority of research and teaching assistants at Columbia.”

In January, Columbia declined to bargain with the union. Now, with finals fast approaching, graduate students hope to force its hand.

Photo via columbiagradunion.org