Graduate Students go on strike

[Turkeytop]

Things started to go downhill when they started telling the working class they were really middle class.

Then, they didn't want to do working class jobs anymore

[Matt]

Things started to go downhill when they started telling the working class they were really middle class.

Then, they didn't want to do working class jobs anymore

I'm sure you'll join me in applauding this ruling: https://record.umich.edu/articles/admin ... -contract/

[TC Talks]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

[Matt]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

[Rate This]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

They used them as leverage? That’s how this game is played kimosabe…

[Matt]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

They used them as leverage? That’s how this game is played kimosabe…

Not when it is illegal to strike while under contract. These are people who are hoping to make well into six figures whining about not getting paid enough for 20 hours/week. Their actions were despicable.

[Rate This]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

They used them as leverage? That’s how this game is played kimosabe…

Not when it is illegal to strike while under contract. These are people who are hoping to make well into six figures whining about not getting paid enough for 20 hours/week. Their actions were despicable.

Did they have a no strike clause?

[Matt]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

They used them as leverage? That’s how this game is played kimosabe…

Not when it is illegal to strike while under contract. These are people who are hoping to make well into six figures whining about not getting paid enough for 20 hours/week. Their actions were despicable.

Did they have a no strike clause?

https://michiganadvance.com/2023/04/18/ ... ll-appeal/

[Rate This]

Well it looks like holding out worked and they are being adequately compensated. The Graduates 1 Administration 0

Updated Aug. 25, 2023

Leaders of the Graduate Employees’ Organization announced Aug. 25 that union members had overwhelmingly approved a new three-year contract with the University of Michigan. The new contract, which will run through May 1, 2026, was ratified by 97% of GEO members voting, according to the union.

The contract includes annual salary increases, a $1,000 bonus and increased benefits, along with processes to further discuss and deal with various other issues that graduate employees wish to bring before the university administration.

Approval comes nine months after contract negotiations began and five months after GEO went on strike. GEO represents about 2,300 part-time graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants. Classes begin for the fall term Aug. 28.

Planning for fall term
As the university prepares for the Fall 2023 term, ensuring the continuity of education for students across campus is a top priority.

In an Aug. 7 email message to graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants, university officials specified that all instructors are expected to fulfill their instructional responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, creating a syllabus and Canvas site for every course, teaching scheduled classes, grading student work and submitting grades on time.

Those who participate in a strike will be subject to replacement for the entire semester. Graduate employees engaged in a work stoppage also will “likely be removed from the system as a course instructor and will lose access to the Canvas site(s) for the course.”

The guidelines, developed and endorsed in coordination with campus deans, are intended to “support the continuity of instruction in the event of a work stoppage,” according to U-M officials.

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

They used them as leverage? That’s how this game is played kimosabe…

Not when it is illegal to strike while under contract. These are people who are hoping to make well into six figures whining about not getting paid enough for 20 hours/week. Their actions were despicable.

Did they have a no strike clause?

https://michiganadvance.com/2023/04/18/ ... ll-appeal/

Well... rules are rules after all so yeah that's shady..

[TC Talks]

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

So they nearly doubled the 11% offer and the Administration got a warning from the judge? I'm probably not the one who doesn't understand a win.

Ganapathy, however, noted that the university was more interested in pursuing its legal options rather than meeting “their ethical obligation to fix the myriad of problems that graduate students face.”

The main point of contention is a union proposal for a 60% wage increase in the first year of a new contract, with additional increases tied to inflation in the second and third years. So far, the GEO has turned down three counteroffers from the university, including an 11.5% pay increase over the next three years.

[Matt]

Are you insane or just reading impaired? They asked for 60% over three years and agreed to the university's 20% take it or leave it offer. They illegally started a strike while under contract to use undergraduate students as leverage. Their actions were despicable and should be condemned.

So they nearly doubled the 11% offer and the Administration got a warning from the judge? I'm probably not the one who doesn't understand a win.

Ganapathy, however, noted that the university was more interested in pursuing its legal options rather than meeting “their ethical obligation to fix the myriad of problems that graduate students face.”

The main point of contention is a union proposal for a 60% wage increase in the first year of a new contract, with additional increases tied to inflation in the second and third years. So far, the GEO has turned down three counteroffers from the university, including an 11.5% pay increase over the next three years.

Quoting the union secretary and suggesting that is fact? To quote your favorite dementia patient: "Come on, man!"

They got 33% of what they were asking for and accepted a take it or leave it offer where leave it meant they would lose their jobs if they didn't show up. This, after they clearly violated the previous contract. Yet somehow, you think that's a win.

[Matt]

I have to agree with TC Talks to an extent.

They got a significantly larger pay raise (although not nearly as large as the absurd one they were seeking) than administration was willing to offer and received significant improvement in fringe benefits as well.

Compared to grad instructors at universities of similar academic standing, the grad instructors at U-M have been undercompensated. (Compared to other Big Ten public universities, they are compensated well, but U-M unlike most of those institutions is an institution of international acclaim.)

The administration can and did threaten to replace those who failed to report to their posts, but replacing hundreds upon hundreds of grad instructors isn't exactly something that can be done at a flip of a switch.

I do agree with you, Matt, that commencing the strike while winter 2023 semester was still in session was a dirty move. They should have waited until the semester concluded.

I disagree. They likely could have gotten exactly what they got (or more) if they were serious about finishing the old contract and if they had bargained in good faith.

Also, they are students not paying any tuition. Funny, that calculation isn't factored in...

[Rate This]

I have to agree with TC Talks to an extent.

They got a significantly larger pay raise (although not nearly as large as the absurd one they were seeking) than administration was willing to offer and received significant improvement in fringe benefits as well.

Compared to grad instructors at universities of similar academic standing, the grad instructors at U-M have been undercompensated. (Compared to other Big Ten public universities, they are compensated well, but U-M unlike most of those institutions is an institution of international acclaim.)

The administration can and did threaten to replace those who failed to report to their posts, but replacing hundreds upon hundreds of grad instructors isn't exactly something that can be done at a flip of a switch.

I do agree with you, Matt, that commencing the strike while winter 2023 semester was still in session was a dirty move. They should have waited until the semester concluded.

I disagree. They likely could have gotten exactly what they got (or more) if they were serious about finishing the old contract and if they had bargained in good faith.

Also, they are students not paying any tuition. Funny, that calculation isn't factored in...

If getting it were that easy there would be no need to organize... You're naive if you think an employer is jumping for joy to meet what you want.

[TC Talks]

If getting it were that easy there would be no need to organize... You're naive if you think an employer is jumping for joy to meet what you want.

The grad students wouldn't have gotten anywhere if the strike started in May. My favorite part was the plane and banner from the striking students flying over spring graduation at exactly the time the Dean got to the podium. Perfect outreach in front of 40,000 people.