Dear GEO Brothers and Sisters,
By this time many of you have heard about the Michigan Court of Appeals’ recent ruling that a state-wide proposal passed in November 2004, “prohibits public employers from recognizing same-sex unions for any purpose,” including the provision of employee health benefits. Even if the current ruling is not stayed pending appeal, our understanding of the University Administration’s position is that all members currently eligible for these benefits will remain eligible for the immediate future. We are currently investigating the likelihood that the University’s position in this area will be upheld in the courts. During the time of legal ambiguity imposed by this decision, GEO will be investigating our options as the U-M Administration decides how to proceed. During this time, we will also be working with our state-wide union, the American Federation of Teachers-Michigan, to draw upon alliances with other unions and state organizations to find a successful resolution to this ruling.
Because of the foresight of our bargaining team during our last contract negotiations, we successfully negotiated contingencies for this situation. In our contract’s Law Savings Clause (Article XXVI), we have the right to negotiate with the U-M Administration about providing benefits plans for all our members and their families. If necessary, we will be invoking this right. We would welcome all volunteers to help with this effort; if you would like to be involved in these negotiations, contact us immediately at umgeo@umich.edu or 995-0221. As more information becomes available, we will be sure to keep everyone informed.
In solidarity,
Mike Bader, President
Zakiya Luna, Vice-President
Helen Ho, Secretary
Shanna Kirschner, Treasurer
Julie Robert, Grievance Committee Chair
Federico Helfgott, Organizing Committee Chair
Chris Estrada, Solidarity/Political Action Chair
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