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Grad workers met HR for bargaining today, but the session was cut short as HR failed to prepare enough counters to fill the full length of the session. HR passed back a counter on harassment protections, explaining that regressive mandatory reporting requirements remain a sticking point for them. They said the requirements – which run counter to best practices determined by research done by U-M’s own faculty – were a matter of ‘comfort’ for them. The ‘comfort’ of workers dealing with harassment did not seem to concern them. Grads passed back a package of workload proposals, including parking passes, class size, combined appointments, and outside employment. The session then ended an hour early, with HR having nothing else to pass across.
This was not the first time that a bargaining session had to end early because HR failed to come prepared with counters. If the Administration claims that they want to bargain more frequently, then why can’t they even come prepared with enough material to fill a single a session?
From the Bargaining (Zoom) Room
Katie, Neuroscience
“Once again, HR requested schedule 4 hours of bargaining, then came to our bargaining table today with enough material to barely last 2 hours. They claim we aren’t making ourselves available to bargain, but when we do – they have nothing to offer!”
Tess, CLASP (Engineering)
“Every week I come to bargaining it becomes more evident that AHR isn’t interested in solving our problems. It’s incredibly frustrating that they don’t bring substantive proposals while claiming we aren’t making ourselves available to bargain. It’s so disingenuous coming from people that get paid six figures to essentially waste everyone’s time”
Strike Kitchen Dispatches
Bailey, Art History
“The strike kitchen has been a wonderful part of the strike. I don’t know how to cook and have no friends, so the kitchen has been a great solution to both of these problems. It’s been amazing to meet new people there and eat some healthy, home cooked food for a change.”
GEO’s very own strike kitchen continues to serve up hot and healthy meals, free to all picketers and striking workers. On the menu on Monday: chana masala, coconut dal, aloo gobi, mango chutney, raita and rice! Lunch will be available every day this week from 11-2.
Sign Up to Picket the Last Week of Classes
As the semester draws to a close, it’s critical that grads continue to make our strike visible by picketing on Central & North campuses. With beautiful weather and many opportunities to make a big impact, this week won’t be one to miss! You can sign up for picket shifts at . Bring your colleagues!
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