Hundreds of grad workers and allies turned out on Monday morning to kick off a second week on strike. Carrying signs that read ‘faculty support student workers,’ the group marched in solidarity from the Diag to Ruthven, then on to Rackham, showing the University that all workers on this campus stand together. Meanwhile, grad workers marched and chanted at a morning picket in Detroit. Among them was a participant of the original GEO strike of the 1970s! Truly solidarity forever.
On Friday, grad workers again showed up in force to demand a contract that protects all workers. Picketing across central campus, grad workers were undeterred by bad weather and university intimidation. GEO member and anthropology grad Irene said, ‘Filing for an injunction day one of the strike is a disappointing escalation, but we were always ready for this. GEO has been part of the political pulse of this city for 50 years. It’s beautiful to be involved in the union’s efforts for a more equitable university. We came out in the rain this morning to tell the university that Ann Arbor is a union town, and we’re not leaving until our demands are met.’
Hundreds of grads rallied on North Campus today, continuing the fight for dignity and affordability for each and every worker. Facing indifference and intimidation from the University, grads remained united. The conditions North Campus grads face are a stark reminder of urgency of our demands. For example, grads in the School of Music Theatre and Dance (SMTD) often work tiny fractions below even a 0.25FTE appointment (less than half of a typical GSI salary). Yet, SMTD students, who tend to be Masters or DMAs, would be excluded from the Rackham 12-month funding proposal, deepening the inequity between grads in SMTD and other colleges.
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. The action came hot on the heels of grads filing Unfair Labor Practice charges against the University for bargaining in bad faith. This pattern continued on Friday, as HR called a living wage for grad workers "exorbitant" and went to the mat to defend ableist policies. Meanwhile, Governor Gretchen Whitmer expressed her support for a living wage for grad students.
On Feb 21, over 600 grads discussed the lack of progress at the table. With the March 1 deadline for a tentative agreement looming, the discussion of what to do next quickly converged on strike preparation. At the last bargaining session before the TA deadline on February 24, it was clear that management had no intention of honoring the 3/1 deadline specified in our contract. Over 1,000 GEO members have now pledged "yes" on a strike authorization vote! ign the pledge and get your colleagues to do the same! bit.ly/GEOStrikePledge