On Wednesday November 16th, 2022 the New School’s part-time faculty, represented by ACT-UAW Local 7902, ACT U A W LOCAL 7 9 ZERO TWO, voted to strike after negotiations with the University Administration failed to produce an acceptable new contract. A week later, spirits and commitment were still high, with a dense picket line circling in front of the school’s flagship University Center at 63 Fifth Avenue.  In addition to chanting, picketers made a joyful noise with a range of home-made instruments from washboards to drums. Protestors were drawn from many parts of the New School: part-time and full-time faculty across programs and divisions; undergraduate, grad students, and their parents. As of the first of the year, the union approved a tentative new contract.

Recorded and reported by Sarah Montague