After months of GEO members and allies applying pressure and refusing to back down from open bargaining, HR finally agreed to dismiss the mediator and discuss substantive issues with grad workers in attendance.
GEO members have been diligently coming to the table ready to bargain in good faith, but HR does not seem willing to proceed with any productive discussion unless GEO members give up their right to be in the room where their livelihoods are being discussed.
After lunch, the mediator brought management into the room with members to hear our proposals. Bottom line: we've sustained open bargaining despite HR's intransigence and attempts at intimidation.
In a huge win for graduate workers, HR showed up to the bargaining room after a week of GEO escalating action.
All day Friday, members deliberated during a back-and-forth on email with Academic HR, who ultimately refused to meet with the bargaining team.