Good morning fellow workers,
This is a reminder that the call for nominations for several positions on GEO’s bargaining committee is still open! Please nominate yourself or someone else by emailing GEO’s Elections Committee (elections) and the Steering Committee (steering) no later than tomorrow: Friday, October 6. Read on to see the full call and email elections if you have any questions.
in solidarity,
the GEO Elections Committee
Fellow workers,
We are writing to announce that nominations are now open for five positions on GEO’s Bargaining Committee!
We are currently in negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement; the contract between GEO/UAW2322 and the University that governs the terms and conditions of your employment. GEO is a democratically-run organization and a successful contract campaign depends on your participation both at the bargaining table and in the field. Your elected bargaining committee works closely with rank and file members towards securing strong economic and language wins at the table. These gains reflect the dignity of our work and address the horrible economic position many of our members are currently living and working in. We now have two (2) vacant paid positions and three (3) vacant At-Large seats on the bargaining committee, and welcome your nominations.
Please see below for the nomination call for these positions, including information about the positions and the nomination and election process. Any full member in good standing may nominate themselves or another member in good standing for any of these positions by Friday, October 6th. All positions will begin immediately upon conclusion of the election at the next general membership meeting of the semester: Wednesday, October 18 from 5-7 p.m. (location TBA)
The Bargaining Committee:
From GEO’s bylaws: “The bargaining committee shall be responsible for assessing membership needs and concerns prior to contract negotiations, and issuing regular written bargaining updates to the membership during negotiations.”
The bargaining committee will consist of four paid, elected bargaining members, an unspecified number of elected alternate members (typically no fewer than five), and the GEO staff. All committee members 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 five (5) GEO Bargaining positions:
Nominations are now open for the GEO bargaining committee. When nominating yourself for the Bargaining Committee, please specify which position you are running for (descriptions below):
Bargaining Organizing & Mobilization Coordinator (2 Open Positions)
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 8 months into the process.
The elected candidate will begin duties as immediately as the GFAF is processed. The position is fully benefitted, 10/hours per week GEO-protected work, with a stipend equivalent to the average TA stipend for grad workers. In accordance with Article 4 of the GEO contract, these positions are paid for by the University and overseen by the GEO membership. Each position shall continue through the summer and until the end of the semester in which negotiations conclude, or upon resignation.
At-Large Member (3 Positions)
The At-Large Members are volunteers that represent the membership and assist in the process of negotiating a contract. These members help craft proposals that address the needs of the general members, discuss administration’s counter proposals and support the work of bargaining. This may include research, liaising with members or other committees, drafting language, or helping with communication by email or the website.
Join the Bargaining Committee!
Any full member in good standing may nominate themselves or another member in good standing for this position. When you do so, please send a short candidate statement. Nominations and candidate statements are due by 11:59 PM on October 6th, 2023. Please email GEO’s Steering Committee (steering) AND GEO’s Elections Committee (elections). (Be sure to write to both committees!) to nominate yourself or someone else. At that point all candidates will receive further instructions from the Elections Committee regarding campaign materials and election rules.
The election will be held in the days leading up to and including the October 18th membership meeting. More details about dates, times, locations, and modality of voting will be distributed after nominations close.
If you have any questions regarding the elections or nominations processes, rules, regulations, or about your membership status, please do not hesitate to email the Elections Committee at elections.
In solidarity,
GEO Elections Committee
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In solidarity, GEO Leadership
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