NOTICE OF GEO-UAW 2322 OFFICERS & STEERING MEMBERS AT-LARGE
4/19/23
Dear GEO Members,
Nominations have closed for GEO elections for 2023-2024. Thank you to everyone who has stepped up to nominate themselves or thoughtfully nominated someone else. Voting will begin by secret ballot starting April 27. Candidate statements will be available at the polling station and available on the GEO website soon.
Please see the official election notice below:
There will be an election for GEO-UAW 2322 Officers: (2) Membership Organizers, (1) Mobilization Coordinator, (1) Bargaining Organizing and Mobilizing Coordinator, and (2) At-Large Steering Committee Members.
Because fewer than 3 nominees were received for the position of GEO Co-Chair, a special vetting process will take place, in accordance with the GEO bylaws.
From the Bylaws: In the event that two or fewer candidates run for the co-chair positions, then there will be a vetting process rather than a de facto election of the unopposed candidates. The Stewards’ Assembly will convene and ask the candidates questions, and then excuse the candidates while stewards vote on whether or not to approve the candidates for co-chairs. If either one or both of the candidates is a steward, then they will recuse themselves from the vote. A simple majority wins. In the event that stewards vote “No," on one or both of the candidates, the nominations process will be extended, and stewards will aggressively recruit nominees for the elected positions. The elections process will then repeat.
Stay tuned for an announcement of the details of that process including the date/time for the special Stewards’ Assembly.
VOTING
Nominations for these positions have closed. Voting will occur online via ElectionRunner and in person at the May 1st Membership Meeting by secret ballot; exact location TBA. The meeting is scheduled from 3pm-5pm. In-person voting will be available from 2:30-3:30.
In accordance with the bylaws, to accommodate those who cannot attend the membership meeting, additional voting by secret ballot will take place in Campus Center 915 on the following days (times TBA):
Thursday, April 27
Friday, April 28
TERM AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFICERS & STEERING MEMBERS AT-LARGE
In accordance with the GEO Bylaws, all officers are elected for one year terms. Elections will be held for:
-GEO Co-chair (2) (20 hr., 52 week contract)
-Membership Organizer (2) (20 hr., 52 week contract)
-Mobilization Coordinator (1) (20 hr., 52 week contract)
-Bargaining Organizing and Mobilizing Coordinator (1) (10 hr., through the end of the last semester in which negotiations take place)
-Steering Committee At-Large Member (2) (volunteer positions)
Two (2) Membership Organizers:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: assisting with membership drives and engaging in consistent field work; coordinating events and workshops that develop membership participation; recruiting, organizing and overseeing the election of Stewards in departments and/or work sites; fostering stewardship through one-on-one meetings; attending General Membership and Assembly of Stewards meetings; [develop awareness of the various issues affecting graduate workers – especially those affecting students of color, international students, and student with families – and build organizing infrastructure for these issues; fostering and engaging in organizing projects around permissive subjects of bargaining, e.g. housing, immigration, accessibility, anti-sexism and anti-racism, and liaise with already-existing organizations involved in these spheres; expanding our capacity to meet the needs and interests of underrepresented groups are being met by the union, e.g. making accessible GEO events, spaces and information;] ensuring that those attending GEO Membership Meetings and Steward’s Assembly are members; organizing orientation schedule; maintaining accurate membership lists; coordinate department orientations; assuming duties of the Mobilization Coordinator if they are unavailable; and assisting the union in achieving its overall mission in the workplace.
(Note: the bracketed text was voted up by the membership at our Nov. 8, 2022 General Membership Meeting, but has not yet been incorporated into the bylaws.)
One (1) Mobilization Coordinator:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to: supervising membership drives; assisting in boosting attendance; attending Steering and Assembly of Stewards meetings; introducing all new members and visitors; assisting the GEO Co-Chairs in preserving order when called upon to do so; ensuring that minutes are taken at all GEO meetings; maintaining records of organization; submitting requisitions to the Local and International as needed; planning and administering GEO operating budget and chairing the GEO Finance Committee; facilitating GEO sponsorship of events and organizations; taking charge of all property of GEO not otherwise provided for; to monitor and give guidance on procedural questions and rules; ensuring that those attending GEO meetings are either members or invited visitors; assuming duties if the Co-Chairs they are unavailable; and assisting the union in achieving its overall mission in the workplace.
One (1) Bargaining Mobilizing and Organizing Coordinator:
The bargaining committee will consist of the four elected bargaining members, alternate members, and the GEO staff. The bargaining committee members will elect its chief and co-chief negotiators. All members of the bargaining committee are to serve throughout the duration of a contract negotiation and will not need to be re-elected in the event that contract negotiations are extended beyond a year. Membership will have ultimate oversight over the bargaining committee and the committee answers to and is in service to the membership. The bargaining committee’s responsibility is to assess the needs of the membership prior to negotiations and make them transparent regularly via the GEO website. (from the GEO Bylaws).
Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinators will focus on organizing members around their issues/concerns. These elected members are responsible for involving more members in the bargaining process and recruiting members to speak at the bargaining table (to administration) and for actions around contract negotiations. Paid GEO Bargaining team members are expected to make Bargaining-related trainings and meetings that have been scheduled (around team members’ availability). These elected members will also serve as the liaison between the campaigning/organizing group and will be in regular communication with stewards, the existing listserv of members who have signed up to be active on this committee, and the bargaining committee.
(Note: the bargaining committee assistantships are for 10 hours per week.)
Two (2) Steering Member At-Large:
The Steering Committee shall be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the unit including, but not limited to: the direction of the day-to-day operations of the organization; the oversight of the staff; preparation and submission of all proposals, budgets, budget requisitions and budget modifications to the Assembly of Stewards for approval; coordination and oversight of standing committees; the appropriate maintenance of the health of the organization; management and execution of the budget; all correspondence and relations between the leadership, the Assembly of Stewards and the membership; and all external relations excepting those duties specifically proscribed for other committees (such as the Bargaining Committee).
The Steering Committee shall meet at least two times a month during the academic year. The committee shall meet once a month at other times. Additional meetings can be called as needed by the officers.
The Steering Committee shall be empowered to make decisions on behalf of the membership, except as limited by the bylaws. The Steering Committee shall not make any decisions which contradict those made by the Assembly of Stewards or the membership or contradict the will or intent of the Assembly of Stewards or the membership.
Please contact elections if you have any questions.
In Solidarity,
GEO Elections Committee
