Fellow workers,

We’ve been bargaining for months, and the stakes are high: the university is refusing to budge on their proposals which would see us take a deep pay cut and roll back many of the robust protections previous generations of grad workers have won in negotiations. GEO is a democratically-run organization, so the success of bargaining depends directly on our members; your participation at the table and on the ground can make or break the process. Over the past year, members of the elected bargaining committee have worked closely with GEO’s rank and file to craft demands that meet our needs. Now, in the thick of negotiations, we need to turn up the pressure if we want a contract that reflects the dignity of our work and addresses the horrible economic position we find ourselves in at the onset of a surefire recession. One of our committee members graduated at the end of the spring semester; thus there is a vacant paid position on the committee and we welcome your nominations. THE BARGAINING COMMITTEE The bargaining committee will consist of the four elected bargaining members, alternate members, and the GEO staff. 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.

Call for open (1) GEO Bargaining position:
Nominations are now open for the GEO bargaining committee. The position is expanded on below: Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinator (1 Open Position): The Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinator will focus on organizing members around their issues/concerns among other duties. This elected member is 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. Other duties expected given that the position will be starting nearly a year into the process. Any full member in good standing may nominate themselves or another member in good standing for this position. Nominations and candidate statements are due by 11:59 PM on July 10, 2022, and the election will be held at a special membership meeting on July 26 from 5-6pm over Zoom. To nominate yourself, email steering and copy elections. The elected candidate will begin duties immediately upon election. The position is fully benefitted, 10/hours per week GEO-protected work at the GEO minimum and shall continue through the summer and up to the end of the semester in which negotiations conclude (or upon resignation). If you wish to be a Bargaining Committee At-Large member (5 unpaid & unlimited alternate volunteer positions) you may nominate yourself at the membership meeting on the 23rd. If you are unable to attend that meeting, you may send your nomination & a short statement to elections to be read at the meeting.

If you have any additional questions please reach out to elections.

In solidarity, GEO leadership