Adjunct professors at the New School walked out of their classes last week to protest low wages, and Starbucks employees in some stores also walked out. Listeners who have recently participated in a labor action call in to talk about what they're hoping to achieve.

→Callers from the New School and other organizations weighed in.  Tokumbo Shobowale, executive vice president for business and operations at the New School, didn't make it on air, but sent the following statement:

"Throughout negotiations, The New School has made significant efforts to be responsive to the union’s requests, has made significant concessions to get a deal in place that works for everyone and has repeatedly recommended bringing in a mediator to help reach a resolution as quickly as possible. The university’s proposal is a strong and fiscally responsible offer that reflects our deeply held respect for our part-time faculty and also balances the university's need to remain on sustainable financial footing. This comprehensive proposal offers an average increase of 20% in total compensation in academic year 2022-2023 upon ratification of the contract, which includes a one-time, $2100 bonus, plus a seven (7%) percent, across the board wage increase. It also includes changes that will increase part-time faculty input into shared governance, funding for professional development, enhanced medical and retirement benefits, and more. Given that these are subjects that the union flagged as key for their members,  the university is pleased it was in a position to offer these gains that will be of great benefit to part-time faculty."