GEO Response to Supreme Court Decision in Janus v. AFSCME
***June 27th, 2018***
Today, in the case of Janus v. AFSCME, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned more than 40 years of legal precedent, ending fair share fees that went toward the costs of union-provided services that all employees collectively benefit from, including contract bargaining and legal representation.
CO-PRESIDENT STATEMENT ON JANUS v. AFSCME DECISION
Although not unexpected, the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court today favors corporate interests over working people.
This decision is an attack on public sector unions and will directly affect graduate employees and the causes we fight for every day–causes such as tuition waiver protections, wages, and healthcare. Protections that we went on strike to strengthen and that we as members of the union must work daily to affirm and defend. While the decision will affect our union, it will not affect our spirit nor dampen our commitment to improving working conditions.
As the landscape of public unions in the United States shifts, it is not enough to look back in pain. We must create a new future: a future that honors working people and their families, a future that bestows dignity and respect to all work, a future by and for the working class.
In solidarity,
Hilary Gross and Bruce Kovanen
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WANT TO HELP? GET INVOLVED!
GEO Committees have work to do over the summer, and need your help! If you’d be interested in getting involved, below you’ll find details about how to contact each Committee and a little more about what they do! You can also follow the calendar of events on our website: http://uiucgeo.org/events/ Meetings are open to membership. No special knowledge required.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee produces GEO-Ls and flyers, manages GEO’s social media, responds to interview requests, designs and 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! You can help with writing and editing GEO-Ls, managing our social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook), being GEO’s Media Liaison, and archiving our history. In addition, there are specific summer projects such as designing and ordering swag, and preparing orientation packets. There is a Communications Committee working session on Thursday at 3 pm at the GEO Office (809 S. 5th St., Champaign, IL). If you are interested in joining the Communications Committee, email geo@uigeo.org or just come to a meeting!
Grievance Committee
The months after a contract is signed is the busiest time for the Grievance Committee. They are working hard defending members 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.
Stewards’ Council
The Stewards’ Council (SC) is the primary organizing and planning body, and “heart” of GEO. This is where representatives from across campus come together to discuss membership needs. Right now, Stewards are working on orientation materials, planning office visits and organizing trainings, and beginning-of-year events. Become a steward and help GEO organize across campus! If you are interested in becoming a Steward, email sc@uigeo.org! Our next meeting is on Tuesday July 3rd at 5:30 pm in the GEO Office.
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! Over the summer, SolComm is working on various summer community events, statements of solidarity, and getting Strike Thank You Notes in the mail. Join us in the office on Thursday from 2 pm to 4 pm and Friday from 11 am to 1 pm to work thanking our allies who supported us during the strike! If you are interested in joining the Solidarity Committee, please email solcomm@uigeo.org or stop by the office for our next meeting on Monday July 2nd at 5 pm.
NEW Constitutional Committee
Join the newly formed Constitutional Committee to work on updating our Constitution and By-Laws! Interested in structure and community values? Like clarifying procedures and logistics? Just want to know more about GEO? The Constitutional Committee needs members who are interested in developing a proposal over the summer to present to our general membership in the fall for review and ratification. Contact cc@uigeo.org if you’re interested in getting involved!
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CONNECT WITH GEO!
Website: www.uiucgeo.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.
In Solidarity,
Graduate Employees’ Organization
809 S. 5th St., Geneva Room
Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: 217-344-8283
Email: geo@uigeo.org