Temple withdraws tuition remission, benefits

A strike continues on Temple University's campus involving graduate student workers. Within the last week, the Temple University Graduate Students Association (TUGSA) believes the university is acting out in retaliation.

Unionized graduate student workers are in their second week of picketing on campus. They say they've been working for a year without a contract.

It's a message only getting louder.

Hundreds of students and supporters, including Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, came together to speak out, asking for better working conditions, expanded benefits and a higher wage.

CBS Philadelphia spoke with two former TUGSA presidents Thursday.

"We currently make about $19,500 per year," Manasa Gopakumar said, "whereas the cost of living in Philadelphia is $38,000."

"My struggle to make ends meet in this city," Bethany Kosmicki said, "I have to pay rent. I have to pay my bills. I have to pay groceries, medical bills. I can't afford to do that on the current wages that I make at Temple University."

TUGSA says the university stopped their health benefits without notice, and some say they are even being threatened with deportation.

"This is not the U.S. I had envisioned in in my dreams," one member said, "nor the Temple University I believe in with all my heart."

On Wednesday, striking students received this email from Temple stating tuition remission is no longer available and those on strike have until early March to pay the total balance.

TUGSA shared a copy with CBS Philadelphia.

It reads:

"Dear Temple Student:

As a result of your participation in the TUGSA strike, your tuition remission has been removed for the spring semester. You now owe the full balance listed in TUpay, which is due by Thursday, March 9.

If your balance is not paid-in-full by the due date, you will be assessed a $100 late payment fee and a financial hold will be placed on your student account. This hold will prevent future registration.

For your convenience, you can make payment online by clicking TUpay Student Account.

Thank you, The Bursar's Office"

"Temple, the country is watching you," Gopakumar said. "It's time for you to do the right thing, come to the table and give us a fair contract."

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