Many newly hired GSIs and GSSAs have contacted GEO with inquiries about this email. In particular, it appears that many have not understood the sentence “If you have not already filled out
a GEO Union Membership/Representation-Service Fee card, you must do so now” as an assurance that they need not fill out another card if they have already done so.
Have no doubt. Once you have filled out a yellow card, you have completed all necessary paperwork.
Most newly hired GSIs fill out their cards when GEO volunteers speak at orientation meetings. However, some GSIs and GSSAs are not employed in units which conduct graduate employee orientations, and so have not yet spoken with anyone about GEO.
The purpose of the email is to provide those newly hired GSIs and GSSAs an additional opportunity to obtain information about their union and and to fill out their yellow cards. We believe this is extremely important because without this opportunity, those grads might never become aware of their rights under the contract.
Unfortunately, it is clear that the language of the email is confusing. We have contacted Academic Human Resources, and anticipate that they will work with us to revise the language.
In the meantime, we will answer all emails. Please be patient, and understand that we are also responding to many inquiries from grads who have not yet had a chance to join GEO.
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