The file above contains a full text PDF of the Tentative Agreement reached between GEO and UM on March 25, 2008. Below is an article by article summary of the significant changes this Tentatave Agreement, if ratified, would make to the GEO Contract.
Article I – Recognition and Definitions
Minor adjustments to definitions of “In Good Standing” and “GSSA”. Clarified definition of “GSI” and extended to explicitly include grad student mentoring as GSI work.
Article IV – Anti-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Employment
Addressed issue of academic bullying by adding language extending definition of harassment to include “repeated verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation that significantly interferes with the Employee’s ability to perform his or her job duties.” Introduced language concerning accommodations for Employees with disabilities. Signed a related Memorandum of Understanding directing the Equity and Access GSSA to work on projects related to improving accommodations for Employees with disabilities.
Article V – Union Dues and Representation-service Fees
Arranged to have Academic HR send an email to all newly hired employees informing them of their obligation to fill out a union dues/representation-service fee card. Clarified language on the card itself.
Article VI – Union Rights
Increased by 10 minutes the amount of time available to the GEO at trainings and orientations. Eliminated provisions which had allowed GEO to ask Academic HR to send mass emails on our behalf.
Article VII – Information
Clarified dates on which reports will be sent from the university, and method by which GEO may request other information. Eliminated clauses which had allowed GEO to ask UM to print mailing labels for cost.
Article IX – Posting, Initial Employment, and Re-employment
Established an email notification list for distribution of job postings to interested Employees
Article X – Salaries
Raised the Full Time Equivalent salary by 6.2% in 2008-09, 3.5% in 2009-10, and 3.5% in 2010-11. Established wage parity for low fractions. Raised the hourly rate for employees covering for absent co-workers so that it will be at parity with the hourly rate paid to .50 employees.
Article XI – Benefits
Extended zero premium health care to all employees, their partners, and their children. Signed Memoranda of Understanding clarifying OQA criteria and either extending cap on mental health visits from 25 to 30 or providing a pool of money to pay for visits by those who hit the cap.
Article XII – Child Care
Increased, in each year of the Contract, the amount of the child care subsidy for each child by $100 + the average annual increase in tuition at UM child care centers. Specific language added to the article making clear that Employees whose unique circumstances could impact nominal eligibility for the child care subsidy may apply directly to the Office of Financial Aid for a waiver. Provided for GEO representation on the Childcare Initiative Steering Committee.
Article XIII – Medical Leave, Parental Accommodation Period, Jury or Witness Service, Immigration Proceedings, and Bereavement Leave Pay
Established Parental Accommodation Period of six weeks with pay for birth mothers and three weeks with pay for other parents. Other parents may also take three weeks of unpaid leave, and any parent may choose not to return to job duties after the birth or adoption of a child while retaining benefits for the remainder of the term.
Article XVI – Grievance and Arbitration Procedures
Clarified and made consistent language relating to the first three steps of the procedure. Introduced a new system for selecting an arbitration panel.
Article XVII – Special Conferences
Updated language to make consistent with current practice, in particular empowering UM and GEO to reach enforceable written agreements during the term of the Contract. Reworked job description of Equity and Access GSSA to be project based.
Article XXII – Tuition Waiver
Extended full tuition waiver to all employees working 7.5 hours per week or more.
Article XXIII – Employee Rights
Clarified language relating to employee rights to work resources.
Article XXVI – Law Savings Clause
Updated to include reference to Other Qualified Adults.
Article XXVII – Term of the Agreement
Updated to reflect that the new Contract will run through March 1,
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