Graduate Employees' Organization at UIUC
GEO Local 6300 IFT/AFT AFL-CIO at The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Solidarity Statements and Press Releases

External Communications

GEO Statement of Solidarity with Cook County Workers and Nurses (SEIU Local 73)

The Graduate Employees’ Organization at UIUC (IFT/AFT Local 6300) stands in solidarity with SEIU Local 73 and the NNU, representing Cook County workers and nurses respectively. NNU nurses went on a one-day strike on June 24 calling for safe staffing. SEIU 73 workers have been striking since June 24 2021. This is the second time in six months that the union has voted to go on strike, and they have been negotiating their contract for 9 months. This is a familiar experience for us since our last full contract negotiation lasted almost a year. Following are the demands from the workers:

  • Increase the steps to reward longevity and experience for every SEIU Local 73 member

  • Fair raises every year for every worker 

  • Equal pay for equal work, including differentials

  • Hazard Pay and Pandemic Pay 

  • Affordable healthcare, including retiree health benefits

  • Tuition reimbursement and increased funds for continuing education 

  • Pay professional and licensed staff based on professional experience or years of licensure 


The latest news about the Cook County strike can be found here and here. You can support them by contributing to SEIU 73 workers’ strike hardship fund, contacting Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County President, to demand she settle the contract with Local 73, or joining the picket lines in Cook County.

The Graduate Employees’ Organization, AFT/IFT Local 6300, AFL-CIO, at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, represents approximately 2,700 Teaching and Graduate Assistants on the UIUC Campus. In November 2009 and in February 2018, over 1,000 GEO members and allies participated in a strike to secure a fair contract and more accessible UIUC campus. With an active presence in the community, the GEO continues to work for high-quality and accessible public education in Illinois.

For more information, please contact geo@uigeo.org. More information can also be found on GEO’s website at www.uiucgeo.org.

 

Twitter: @geo_uiuc

Facebook: @uigeo @geosolcomm

Instagram: @geo_uiuc

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