Updates from the GEO
***April 16, 2018***
Table of Contents:
Reminder to submit form for reimbursement
Officer elections
Events
Join a committee!
Connect with GEO
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SUBMIT FORM FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR LOST PAY
The GEO is committed to supporting members who lost pay due to their participation in the strike. Lost pay will be reimbursed at the base pay rate, approximately $23/hr. Your loss of pay will be reflected in the April 16th check, which you can view starting three days in advance of payday by viewing youronline earnings statement. To accurately calculate reimbursement, we will need copies of your appointment letter, your March and April earnings statements, and the HR form for reporting missed hours in order to verify that you missed pay.
Please submit these documents and related information through this google form: https://goo.gl/forms/IvScwiKu7JLBVuDq1
To process reimbursements quickly, please submit documentation by Friday, April 20.
Reimbursements will be made by check and, once confirmed, will be available for pick-up in the GEO office. All information submitted to the GEO through the google form will be kept strictly confidential by the Grievance Committee.
If you need additional financial assistance, there will be no-interest loans available for GEO members who lost pay through the University of Illinois Community Credit Union starting April 16th. We also have a confidential Emergency Welfare Strike Fund for members who experience financial emergencies. You can find more information about those here; if you need one of these resources, please contact us at geo@uigeo.org.
For more information about food banks and other resources, see this document (originally compiled for during the strike).
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OFFICER ELECTIONS
GEO Officer elections will be happening on Thursday, April 26! We are seeking new officers for the following positions:
Co-Presidents (2 positions)
Treasurer(s)
Communications Officer(s)
Grievance Officer(s)
Solidarity Officer(s)
Officers at large (3 positions)
You do not require any specialized knowledge to perform the roles associated with any positions, described in detail here. Our outgoing officers will be happy to help you transition smoothly. To let us know you want to run for a position, or ask any questions, please contact us at geo@uigeo.org!
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EVENTS
What is Janus? GMM
Our next General Membership Meeting will discuss the Supreme Court Case Janus that poses a great threat to public sector unions across the country and what it means for us. Pizza and childcare will be provided!
Date: April 19th
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Channing Murray (1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801)
Officer Elections GMM
Join us at the April 26th General Membership Meeting to hear from those running for elected positions and cast your vote. (More information about voting for those who cannot attend the GMM will be sent out closer to the date)
Date: April 26th
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Channing Murray (1209 W Oregon St, Urbana, IL 61801)
I-H.O.P.E. Gala
I-CAUSE (Illinois-Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students) and La Unidad Latina Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. are hosting the first I-H.O.P.E. Gala to raise funds for scholarships for undocumented students at UIUC. Tickets are $100 for the general public and $50 for students. The Solidarity Committee has approved ticket purchases on a first come first serve basis for members who are interested in going and representing GEO at the gala. Please emailsolcomm@uigeo.org if you are interested in attending. For more information please check here.
Date: May 2nd
Time: 6 pm-9 pm
Location: I-Hotel Conference Center (1900 South 1st Street Champaign, IL 61820)
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JOIN A COMMITTEE!
Stewards’ Council
The Stewards’ Council (SC) is the primary organizing and planning body, and real “heart,” of GEO. This is where representatives from across campus come together to discuss membership needs. We meet every Tuesday from 5:30-7pm in the GEO office.
Grievance Committee
Just after a contract is signed is the busiest time for the Grievance Committee. They are working hard defending members who haven’t been allowed to make up hours, who faced intimidation, and who are already experiencing violations of the new contract. As one of our smallest committees, they could use your help doing this essential work! If you are interested in joining the Grievance Committee, email grievance@uigeo.org. No special knowledge is required.
Solidarity Committee
The Solidarity Committee performs crucial outreach both within and outside of the labor community. SolComm is an important committee within GEO, and could use some more members! If you are interested in joining the Solidarity Committee, please email solcomm@uigeo.org. No special knowledge is required.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee produces GEO-Ls and flyers, responds to interview requests, manages GEO’s social media, orders swag, and more! We could use people with all varieties of skill sets, so don’t be afraid if you’re not a writer or graphic designer -- we’d love to have you!
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CONNECT WITH GEO!
Website: www.uigeo.org
Twitter: @geo_uiuc
Facebook: @uigeo @geosolcomm
Instagram: @geo_uiuc
Sign up for text updates! Text updates are the fastest, best way to get crucial GEO information. 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.
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In Solidarity,
Graduate Employees’ Organization
809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-344-8283
Email: geo@uigeo.org
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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.