GEO’s first official bargaining session with the University was last Thursday, Dec 6 (article in the Daily). The session was well-attended by more than 80 GEO members, including several parents, who might be especially affected by the proposals GEO passed across the table. The bargaining team passed two proposals to the University: Article XII, about the Child Care Subsidy, and Article XIII, which details procedures for four different kinds of paid leave for GSIs, including parental leave. Discussion of proposals followed an energetic presentation by Colleen Woods, GEO’s lead negotiator, outlining GEO’s bargaining platform themes of *Access, Compensation, Equality*.
With Article XII, GEO proposed for several major changes regarding the Child Care Subsidy, attempting to make access to the subsidy more equitable, as well as expanding the range of expenses toward which the subsidy can be applied. In Article XIII, GEO is proposing a parental leave policy, which the University currently lacks altogether for GSIs. Article XIII also states that GSIs who need to miss a day of teaching for professional responsibilities, such as presenting a paper at a conference, will be covered by the same replacement procedures as other forms of leave. In addition, we are proposing language that attributes all benefits and rights of a regular GSI appointment to long-term replacements for GSIs on leave.
When GEO held a caucus with members to discuss, these proposals were met with great excitement by the room. In particular, several parents – many who had their children with them – noted that these familial issues are non-negotiable for the union. Multiple testimonials reiterated the problems with the current child care subsidy in particular, and indicated a need for the administration to take seriously the financial needs associated with childcare, as well as the rights of employees to parental leave.
The next bargaining session will be Thursday, Dec 13, 2-5 pm in Mason Hall 3330!
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