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On March 7, nearly 100 grads and undergrad allies took the streets during President Ono’s inauguration to protest the University’s lack of serious counters. After weeks of having their proposals rejected by HR, grads expressed their anger at the state of negotiations, chanting “3% won’t pay the rent!” as the University marching band played. University big-wigs, including all the Regents, the Provost, and President Ono, walked by in full academic regalia as grads demanded U-M start paying attention to the well-being of his workers.
The action came hot on the heels of grads filing Unfair Labor Practice charges against the University. These charges, filed on Monday, challenge the University’s failure to meet its legal obligations to bargain in good faith. U-M has refused to provide GEO with data needed for negotiations and unilaterally changed workplace safety policies as we bargain over them. Even with the laws in Michigan stacked against workers, U-M is breaking the law to deny grads a fair contract.
HR Calls Living Wage for Grad Workers ‘Exorbitant’
HR expressed frustration that grads want enough money to live, calling our living wage proposal “exorbitant.” In fact, our salary demand would cost $37M, which is about the same as what lecturers asked for in 2020-21, millions less than the cost of U-M’s new scoreboards ($41M), and a fraction of the $400M profit that U-M makes each year.
“Today, I received an email from my landlord about a rent increase at the same time HR was rejecting our proposal for a living wage. I can’t use the prestige of my PhD to pay my rent. We need a living wage now!”
– Maya, Political Science
HR Defends Ableist Policies
HR continues to defend the University’s right to:
- Allow departments not to train grad workers on U-M’s disability accommodations processes, inclusive teaching, and Disability Culture
- Deny accommodations to workers who can’t get or afford appointments to get documentation
- Not post or centrally track building signage showing accessible entrances
Majority of Member GSIs Pledge to Strike
A majority of GEO members who are GSIs have signed cards pledging to vote yes in a strike authorization vote. This week will be crucial in determining how much leverage grads can bring to bear on the administration – including if we will strike. Sign the pledge:
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