Join a committee or working group!
These groups are an essential part of the union.
Committees have elected members and are usually tasked with administrative functions in the union. However, holding an elected position is not necessary for full participation in the committees - except for committees like non-discrimination & harassment, the health fund, and the finance comittees that may have closed meetings when discussing sensitive information.
Working groups (WG) are a great way to tackle some of the most important issues on our campus. These are entirely voluntary organizations (no elections) and often help develop recommendations for the bargaining commitee.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to be involved with the organizing committee at this time! Meetings are every Friday at noon. Please check out the WhatsApp group or email us at info@studentworkersofcolumbia.com for more information.
There are also many elected committee seats open at this time. These seats are available to any active union member and each has an important role. Please reach out to your department organizer or the associated WhatsApp group for more information on how to get involved.
Updated Nov 3, 2026
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Organizing Committee
We are an important group that meets weekly to discuss ways to organize around contract goals, increase union membership and encourage greater participation in union activities. Becoming involved with this committee is one of the best ways to help with our current contract campaign. Learn more on the WhatsApp or by asking your department coordinator.
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Cost of Living WG
We research and provide recommendations to the bargaining committee on fair compensation demands.
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Healthcare WG
We research our union’s health care needs and individual grievances and support the bargaining committee in their ongoing negotiations for a fair and comprehensive health care article.
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International Students
Our goal is to hold Columbia accountable to its stated mission “to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body [and] to support research and teaching on global issues.” We provide recommendations regarding the best way to protect non-citizen workers.
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Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment
We provide support for student workers who experience discrimination and harassment. We also research and discuss policies against discrimination, sexual harassment, and power-based harassment in the workplace, and raise awareness of these issues.
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Solidarity
Our work is twofold: to create political education events for our members and the broader CU community, as well as to coordinate our union’s support of student groups, other unions, and broader movements for social justice.
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International Law
We want a workplace compliant with international human rights law. Columbia invests in corporations that violate international law, compels workers to do research that will be used to break the law, and obscures its finances.
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Health Fund Committee
We are responsible for administering the student-worker and dependent health funds. We also develop and update, with member input, policies for health fund eligibility and reimbursement.
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Communications Committee
We manage internal and external communications, including the website, social media, email, and SMS messages. Learn more on the WhatsApp group or attend a meeting.
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Process and Internal Governance Committee (PComm)
We are responsible for recommending annual revisions to these bylaws and overseeing elections of officers and membership votes on bylaws and referenda.
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Elections Committee
We are responsible for organizing the staffing and oversight of ballots, coordinating secure online voting with CommComm, and working with the CommComm to publicize nominations, candidates, and proposals in a timeline that is in accordance with these bylaws.
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Finance Committee
We are responsible for assisting the Financial Secretary and Treasurer in the coordination and management of the finances of the Local Union.
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Union-Management Committee
A joint Union-Columbia Committee that is formed to discuss the administration of the collective bargaining agreement and other related matters. This Committee consists of elected SWC union members, and University representatives.
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Legal Working Group
We work on legal questions of concern to unit members, advise other union groups, maintain rank-and-file legal resources, and build connections with outside counsel / legal aid.