Important Strike Updates
***January 26, 2018 -- 164 days since our contract expired on August 15th***
Table of Contents:
Bargaining/Strike Timeline Updates
Strike FAQ, Resources, and Manual
Connect with GEO
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Bargaining/Strike Timeline Update
At our General Membership Meeting last night, it was decided that the GEO would file Intent to Strike paperwork on Monday, Jan. 29, the day before our next bargaining session. This step does not mean we have to strike, but it gives us legal permission to do so. This comes in the wake of our November strike vote, in which 93% of ballots voted in favor of authorizing the Strike Committee to file the Intent to Strike paperwork whenever it deemed it necessary. That time is now.
In our last bargaining session, the Admin refused to even respond to a comprehensive proposal we provided them that included every item left on the table, and in which we had made concessions from our original proposals on wages, healthcare, child care, appointment terms, and duration. We gave them the proposal before 11:30 a.m., and despite the fact that we were scheduled to bargain until 4:00 p.m. they didn’t even grant us a response. They also have not responded to an information request given to them almost two weeks ago, asking how the money we pay in fees is spent. It’s clear that the Admin has no intention of working with us to create a contract that is fair for both sides.
While we will continue to bargain in good faith, it is becoming more and more evident that we will likely have no choice but to strike if we are to win a contract that secures our economic stability. We have worked tirelessly both at the table and in public to do everything we can to avoid this outcome, with marches, rallies, sit-ins, op-eds, and an overnight occupation/tutor-in that was attended by an estimated 300 members. At this point, however, it seems that we have no other options but to strike, and we are preparing for a possible strike in the middle to end of February.
If we go out on strike, we go out to win. That means we need all members to commit to withholding their labor and picketing for as long as it is necessary.
Strike FAQ, Resources, and Manual
On our website, we have resources to help inform and answer questions about a strike. Our FAQ includes information on how to talk to faculty and students about the strike, information about retaliation (which is illegal), and a link to our detailed Strike Manual. If you have other questions, talk to your steward or email us at geo@uigeo.org!
Bargaining Action
For the bargaining session on Tuesday, the 30th, we would like as many members to show up for the beginning of the session as possible, so that the Admin will see us all as they arrive. Please join us at around 8:30 a.m. at the Fire Services Institute, 11 Gerty Dr, Champaign, IL 61820. As always, all members are welcome to attend any part of any session, but showing up for the beginning will have the biggest impact. Email geo@uigeo.org if you need a ride.
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CONNECT WITH GEO!
Website: www.uigeo.org
Twitter: @geo_uiuc
Facebook: @uigeo @geosolcomm
Instagram: @geo_uiuc
Text the word “GEO” to 69238 to receive periodic messages concerning crucial bargaining updates and other urgent information. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to 69238 to stop receiving messages. Text HELP to 69238 for more information. Terms & Conditions.
In Solidarity,
Graduate Employees’ Organization
809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-344-8283
Email: geo@uigeo.org
This is a newsletter for members about our recent news and events. The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO), IFT/AFT local 6300, AFL-CIO, is a member-run labor union and represents Teaching and Graduate Assistants (TAs and GAs) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.