We are a graduate union 50 years in the making.

Representing graduate workers at the University of Michigan since 1974, GEO is the oldest, continuously operational graduate union in the country. 

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Graduate workers
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Weekly Hours of Grad Labor
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Years of organizing and counting
ANN ARBOR, MI — On August 11, 2026, the federal government served a federal grand jury subpoena to the Graduate […]
Fall 2026: Bargaining Update + FAQ Despite our efforts to engage in good-faith bargaining with UM Academic HR (AHR), the […]
ANN ARBOR, MI — In June 2026, so-called “progressive” Washtenaw County Prosecutor and Michigan attorney general candidate Eli Savit took […]
JULY 29, 2026 — The Graduate Employees’ Organization (AFT Local 3550) stands in solidarity with the Neighborhood Defender Service Union […]
On Friday, April 10th, rank-and-file members of University of Michigan academic labor unions—the Graduate Employees’ Organization (AFT Local 3550), Lecturers’ […]
APRIL 14, 2026 — The Graduate Employees’ Organization (AFT-MI 3550) today sent the below letter to Governor Whitmer, urging her […]
March 30th, 2026—Since 1974, Graduate Student Instructors and Staff at the University of Michigan have fought for and won higher […]
Since 1974, Graduate Student Instructors and Staff at the University of Michigan have fought for and won higher pay, healthcare, […]

Solidarity Letters!

During our recent strike, labor allies wrote to all of us to express solidarity.
Click here to see all of our solidarity letters!

“U-M should stop impeding negotiations, include the 12-month funding plan in its talks with GEO, and bargain in good faith toward a fair contract that ensures affordability and dignity for all graduate workers”

Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters

“…we deplore the University’s attempt to use the courts to force our fellow union members in GEO back to work.”

The All Campus Labor Council at the University of Michigan

President Ono and Provost McCauley … have access to email lists and UM Media outlets (such as the University Record) that have been used to mischaracterize the negotiations … and trivialize the graduate students’ proposals for livable wages and healthy work conditions.

American Friends Service Committee

“They cannot make ends meet on the salary U-M pays them. Year after year, some of the most talented students we admit turn us down due to the low stipends we can offer.”

U-M Department of Comparative Literature

“… we know that graduate students’ working conditions are undergraduates’ learning conditions … GEO is fighting for changes that would significantly improve learning outcomes across campus by making graduate workers safe and secure in their jobs.”

Shawn Fain

International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW)

We know that these workers work far more hours than they are paid for. Instead of continuing to line administrators’ pockets with sky-rocketing salaries, the University of Michigan should do the right thing and pay its graduate workers the living wage they deserve.

Fred Hahn

Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario