Every GSI and GSSA should receive an automated email from UM this week informing them of the status of their GEO deduction.
GEO is the labor union which represents all GSIs and GSSAs. The automated email is part of the process worked out by GEO and UM to facilitate collection of the funds GEO uses to fulfill its duty to represent graduate employees in collective bargaining with UM. GEO is obligated to negotiate a contract which benefits every graduate employee — even those who have chosen not to join GEO. In return, every graduate employee is obligated to contribute a small part of their salary to the financial support of the union. Typically, this is handled via a payroll deduction.
The instrument GEO uses to authorize this deduction and to record your preferences regarding membership in the union is the Union Dues / Representation-Service Fee Card — we call it the yellowcard for short. Every GSI and GSSA is required to submit a yellowcard to GEO as a condition of employment.
Those who have already submitted a yellowcard to GEO will receive an email informing them that the appropriate GEO deduction will be taken from their November paycheck.
Those who have not submitted a yellowcard will receive an email asking them to contact GEO in order to make the necessary arrangements. Once those arrangements have been made, the normal deduction will be processed, but from the December check.
We have posted answers to frequently asked questions about GEO dues and the GEO representation fee at umgeo.org/dues.
We have also created a webform that you can use to electronically submit a yellowcard. The webform is found here. You can also navigate to the webform from the dues FAQ.
If you have questions or concerns about this process, or would just like to know more about GEO, we’d be happy to set up an appointment to meet with you. Send an email to umgeo at umich dot edu to get the ball rolling.
Comments are closed