All Hardship Fund Q’s!

Dear Student Workers,

We are reaching out with more information about finances for strikers. There are two main sources of funds for strikers: UAW strike pay and the hardship fund.

UAW strike pay

Please don’t forget to sign up to receive a weekly $275 payment from the UAW Strike Fund. Anyone on strike who completes that form, and then signs in (and out) of 10 hours of picketing each week will receive a weekly payment (plus an additional $275 the week of Thanksgiving, if we’re still on strike). You can sign up for shifts using either the In-Person Picket Sign-up Form or the Digital Picket Sign-up Form. You can also email columbiagradunion@gmail.com to apply for a picketing exemption.

The Hardship Fund Process

The application period for “round 0” of the SWC Hardship Fund has concluded. If you applied before the strike began, you will be receiving an email in the coming days with the amount you can expect to receive on or around November 15th.

The next round of funding (“round 1”) will remain open through Wednesday, November 10th. You can apply here.

Both rounds 0 and 1 will be distributed via your preferred mobile payment method (e.g., Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, Zelle, or ACH Bank Transfer) on or around November 15th so as to align with a typical Columbia pay schedule.

We’ve written a document that explains the Hardship Fund Committee’s process for decision-making and disbursal. We’re working to ensure this is an inclusive and transparent process. You can read our full guidelines here.

To get more of your financial questions answered, check out our $$$ FAQ.

We know finances can be stressful so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us (gwchardshipfund@gmail.com) with any questions or concerns related to the Hardship Fund.

In solidarity,

Hardship Fund Committee