Fellow workers,
The ballots have been counted and we are excited to announce that GEO members have voted unanimously YES to ratify our new contract! Thank you to everyone who voted and thank you to every member of this union who worked tirelessly to win this groundbreaking new collective bargaining agreement. These wins, some of which are highlighted below, are the result of months of negotiations by GEO members on our collective behalf.
This new contract extends the current Union benefits to include:
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A 50% waiver of the Graduate Service Fee per year
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An extra $100,000 per year for GEO childcare reimbursements for a total of $215,000
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The inclusion of non-working fellows in GEO with full rights and benefits
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Expanded access to lactation spaces and gender-inclusive bathrooms
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A blanket 7.69% wage increase with retroactivity – some will see over $1700
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An added lump sum bonus for all those in GEO positions – up to $500
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And much more!
The new contract will now be sent to the president of the UMass system to sign. Then we will compile a new document reflecting all the changes to the contract, send it out to members, and post it on our website. Many of the changes will be implemented retroactively; once we have ironed out the timeline and process we will share that information widely! In the meantime, if you have any questions about the new agreement, write to geo or reach out to the Bargaining Committee at bargaining.
In the meantime…join us tonight to celebrate this hard-won contract’s ratification! We’re gathering at The Harp (163 Sunderland Rd, Amherst, MA 01002) starting at 6:30pm. The rain will have lifted and there is outdoor seating. Lite fare will be provided. Come meet other grad workers and build lasting connections!
In solidarity,
GEO leadership
