The graduate and postdoctoral unions at Columbia have recently voted 1035 to 720 to ratify a bargaining framework created by the University. The ratification of this framework means that the unions will be able to start bargaining, following four year of waiting for recognition. Additionally, the strike that the unions were planning for December will not be taking place. A few concerns have arisen regarding Columbia’s bargaining framework; one is that according to the terms set forward by the University, the unions are not allowed to strike or halt labor in any capacity until 2020. Additionally, the framework states that the University has the “exclusive right to manage its academic decision-making and educational and research mission.” Ultimately the unions are eager to commence bargaining.
See "Grad student and postdoc unions approve Columbia bargaining framework, forfeiting strike power until 2020", Karen Xia, Columbia Daily Spectator, November 28, 2018