U-M grad employees plan to stage walkout

By Pete Nichols (Last updated: 03/24/08 9:15pm)

Following a tense, five-month-long contract negotiation, the clock is ticking toward a walkout for graduate employees — but not at MSU.

The University of Michigan’s union for graduate student employees, the Graduate Employees’ Organization, approved a plan to stage a two-day walkout today and Wednesday for all graduate student instructors and workers after the union and university were unable to agree to a contract.

“The walkout is a bit of a push for (U-M) to negotiate a little faster,” said Helen Ho, president of the GEO.

The union’s demands for a new contract included a one-year, 9 percent increase in wages followed by an annual 3 percent increase, more benefits for jobs that restrict work hours and improved health care coverage.

U-M countered with an offer for a three-year, 3 percent annual wage increase. U-M graduate student instructors are paid more than $15,000 per school year, Ho said.

MSU’s Graduate Employees Union, or GEU, has negotiated with the university since November, requesting a 5 percent annual wage increase, increased health care benefits, parking rights and credit hour rollovers.

The university has offered a zero percent increase in wages. MSU teaching assistants make $11,332 per year.

“What we’re asking for, a 5 percent increase, is fair,” said Julia Smith-Heck, assistant staff representative for GEU. “It keeps up with the rate of inflation, rent, gas, even the cost of milk.”

Although the GEU’s deadline to reach a contract with the university is May 15, the union plans to discuss next week a strike platform and vote on what job actions should be taken should the union not receive a contract by April 23, Smith-Heck said.

Although legally they are unable to strike, union members can take actions such as staging a walkout or temporarily withholding grades.

“It’s unfortunate that union members have to take such drastic actions to get the university to the table to negotiate a fair contract,” Smith-Heck said. “I think it’s unfortunate that it had to come down to this.”

Karen Klomparens, dean of the graduate school, said the university is hopeful that the situation doesn’t escalate.

“I trust our TAs to continue their high quality instruction and commitment to MSU undergraduates,” Klomparens said. “I don’t expect that any of them will undermine the trust between an instructor and his or her students.”

Originally Published: 03/24/08 9:07pm