This qualitative study of graduate employee unionization seeks to explore the critique graduate student organizers have of the contemporary academy. The number of unionized graduate employees has increased by 175% since 1990; close to 40,000 graduate employees are now unionized. Data were collected using a multisite case study approach, a method particularly suited to exploring contemporary phenomenon within real-life contexts. Site visits lasting two to three days were conducted at each sample institution during the academic year 2000-2001. Four universities where graduate employee unions exist, are recognized, and have or are seeking a contract with their respective institution, were visited.