What is Collective Bargaining?

Collective bargaining refers to the process of negotiations between a group of workers, working through a union, and the employer, over various terms of employment such as wages, benefits, leave, and working conditions. Parties can sometimes be composed of different groups, e.g. a group of labor unions forms a coalition to negotiate a single agreement (as in the Coalition of American Red Cross Unions or the railway unions). The contract that results from negotiations is a legally binding document that outlines the rights of workers within that bargaining unit.

GEO’s approach to bargaining is and has always been member-driven. In 1991 we ratified our first contract after a 10-day strike forced admin to come to the bargaining table and negotiate with graduate workers in good faith. Without this militant spirit, we would never have won many of the groundbreaking benefits and protections secured in our contract, like a full tuition waiver, 95% insurance cost reduction, free dental and vision insurance, the wellness reimbursement, earmarks for childcare, and so on. 

GEO adheres to the philosophy of open bargaining. This means that rank-and-file members—the teachers, researchers, residence directors, and all graduate employees at UMass—are invited to participate at every part of the bargaining process, not just in the final ratification vote. Members are welcome (and encouraged) to join our Bargaining Committee as volunteers. More importantly, all GEO members are welcome to sit at the bargaining table with us. Every member has a right to know what goes on in negotiations. They need to be able to know exactly what the university and the union say to one another, and to inspect any and all proposals from both sides. The contract is not a third-party agreement imposed on the members; it is a living document written by and for all GEO members past, present, and future. 

To put it bluntly, the members are this union. Your input is essential. And when graduate workers take ownership of the bargaining process and stand up for their rights, it always pays off. That’s why we encourage ALL graduate workers to become members of GEO. Not a member? Take two minutes to sign up today!