Labor Struggles in Ithaca, NY: BorgWarner & Cornell Workers Fight

In 2024, Ithaca, NY, found itself at the center of labor strikes that spotlighted the growing demand for fair wages, improved working conditions, and job security. Workers at two of the area's largest employers, BorgWarner and Cornell University, staged significant strikes, highlighting the strength of Ithaca's labor movement. Both actions emphasized the city’s deep-rooted legacy of worker solidarity.

BorgWarner Strike: A Victory for Manufacturing Workers

The strike at BorgWarner’s Lansing facility, which began in early September, culminated in a tentative agreement that was ratified on September 21, 2024, with a 539-60 vote by workers represented by Teamsters Local 317. This strike involved over 700 employees and lasted for 12 days, making it longer than BorgWarner’s last strike in 1993.

The workers, employed by the global automotive parts manufacturer, demanded the elimination of mandatory overtime for long-serving employees, equitable overtime shift allocation, and retroactive healthcare coverage after BorgWarner had cut off workers’ insurance during the strike. The newly ratified agreement addresses these demands by ending mandatory overtime for employees after four years of service, preserving the fair round-robin overtime system, and reinstating health insurance coverage. Additionally, the deal includes a 21% wage increase over four years and a $5,500 bonus for workers, marking a significant win for the employees.

The Cornell University Strike: Academic Workers Take a Stand

Around the same time as the BorgWarner strike, Cornell University employees engaged in their own labor action, adding to the wave of strikes sweeping Ithaca. At Cornell, workers represented by the Cornell Graduate Students Union (CGSU) went on strike, demanding better pay, health benefits, and working conditions. The strike was the culmination of months of organizing by graduate student workers, who have been advocating for union recognition and fair treatment as part of the university’s workforce.

The strike at Cornell highlighted issues common to many academic institutions across the U.S., where graduate students and other academic employees often work long hours without adequate compensation or benefits. Striking workers argued that Cornell’s rising tuition and endowment contrasted sharply with the relatively low pay and benefits provided to graduate students, many of whom struggle with Ithaca’s high cost of living.

A key issue for the graduate students was securing better healthcare coverage and child care benefits, along with wage increases that reflect the increasing housing and living expenses in the Ithaca area. The strike received widespread support from undergraduates, faculty, and local activists, with numerous rallies held on campus to draw attention to the demands of the striking workers.

Key Issues in the Cornell Strike:

• Wages and Cost of Living: Graduate students called for wage increases that would allow them to meet the rising cost of living in Ithaca, especially as housing prices continue to soar. Many graduate workers at Cornell live paycheck to paycheck, making it difficult to afford rent and basic necessities.
• Healthcare and Childcare: Healthcare benefits were a central issue, as graduate students argued that Cornell’s current health insurance plans were inadequate for the needs of workers, particularly those with families. Improved childcare benefits were also a priority for the union, with many graduate students balancing academic responsibilities with parenthood.
• Union Recognition: Another central demand was formal recognition of the Cornell Graduate Students Union (CGSU), which had been organizing for years to secure a voice in university labor decisions. Union recognition would enable graduate workers to negotiate collectively for better pay and conditions.

Community Solidarity and Labor Momentum

Both the BorgWarner and Cornell strikes received overwhelming community support, reinforcing Ithaca’s identity as a hub for labor activism. In the case of BorgWarner, local businesses, politicians, and activists rallied behind the workers, donating food and resources, and joining them on the picket line. The Cornell strike similarly garnered widespread support from Ithaca residents, as students, faculty, and local organizations rallied around the striking graduate workers.

These labor actions reflect a broader national trend of workers demanding more from employers as economic inequality grows and corporate profits rise. The strikes in Ithaca—whether at a manufacturing plant or a prestigious academic institution—show that workers across different industries are united in their fight for fair treatment.

Conclusion: Ithaca's Labor Legacy Continues

The 2024 labor strikes at BorgWarner and Cornell University are part of Ithaca’s long tradition of worker solidarity and activism. Both strikes succeeded in bringing attention to critical issues facing workers in today’s economy: stagnant wages, rising costs of living, and the need for better healthcare and working conditions.

As the BorgWarner workers return to their jobs and Cornell workers continue to push for recognition, these strikes underscore the power of collective action in achieving meaningful change. In a town where labor rights have always been at the forefront, Ithaca continues to be a place where workers’ voices are heard and respected. The labor movement’s momentum in Ithaca is likely to continue as more workers across industries recognize their collective strength in the fight for fair treatment.

Teamster StrikersPhoto byManny BecerraonUnsplash

Union StrikerPhoto byManny BecerraonUnsplash

Photo byPauline LoroyonUnsplash