Printer FriendlyGeneral Questions about the GEO/UAW
Why do we need a union?
Unions work by mobilizing the collective strength of their members. When members are working together, it takes little effort from everyone to conduct a successful campaign for change. There is safety in numbers. It is also a very effective way of keeping informed of what is going on at UMass Lowell.
How can the union help me?
The UAW brings the University a wealth of knowledge on legal assistance, experience and history that joins with the energy and concern of the TA's and RA's. The union is a well-tried vehicle for transforming visions into reality. Grievances with professors and departments are no longer handled individually, but one is supported and guided through the process. And information on various topics becomes easier to assimilate and share with all graduate students.
Is my stipend really a gift from the University?
You are doing valuable work for the University. Without your work, the University wouldn't be able to function properly and with this comes a right to have a say in how UML will operate.
I am paid through a grant, so there's nothing a union can do for me.
Indeed, many of UAW union members who work in universities get paid through grant money. However the fact that the grant is funded through UMASS makes you a University employee and entitled to all the rights for other union members.
Can I join a union in the United States if I am here on a foreign visa?
Yes. The visa requirement is that foreign students may only accept employment associated with the university they are attending. This in no way compromises the right to belong to a union that represents them tin the workplace.
Are there any restrictions on political activity by foreign students?
Your right to join a union or any similar organization is protected by the First Amendment to the US Constitution.
What is the contract, and is it binding?
The contract is a written, legal agreement between the GEO/UAW and the University, which states what the working conditions, benefits and wages of graduate employees will be. The contract lasts two years, and like all other contracts, has to be renegotiated when it expires.
How much are dues and what do they pay for?
The dues help support the cost of mailings, callings, printings, research, legal representation, advertisement, assimilation of information and other activities to keep the GEO/UAW alive and well. Since the graduate students voted in favor of union recognition by UAW, everyone will pay dues to the UAW, whether you are an official member or not. So it is in your best interest to become an official member by signing a union card.
STRUCTURE OF GEO/UAW ON CAMPUS
The individual:
The individual members of the GEO/UAW form the basis of the union. Without the commitment and concern of members, the GEO/UAW would become a hollow, lifeless structure. Therefore, it is vital to stay informed, attend meetings and maintain ties with other members in your department/center.
Within the departments/centers:
The departments/centers within UMass Lowell will be represented by "stewards." There is approximately one steward for every 25 graduate employees. A steward acts as representative of a department(s)/center(s) informed of union affairs. They also act as contacts when questions arise about the union, policy, procedures, work loads and grievances.
Entire Campus:
There is one full-time graduate student who will work out of the office in Kitson 300 to oversee the union operations, attend pertinent meetings, handle grievance procedures, keep track of the members and maintain relations with the UAW.
UNION EFFECTIVENESS: MAKING IT WORK!
Read the enclosed contract between the GEO/UAW and the University. If you have any questions contact your departmental/center steward.
Attend GEO/UAW meetings as a way to keep informed, instill new ideas and enact visions for the union.
Beware of possible contract violations, like working over an average of 18 hours, per week. The contract states that you should work no more than 18 hours (full-time) and 9 hours (half-time) on average, per week. If you find yourself working more than this, it should be brought to the attention of your steward. Your position is an hourly paid position and if you work more than the contracted hours, you should be paid accordingly. Also, if you notice that the duties of a TA are being performed by other who are not TA's (for example, grading papers), you should notify your steward, as anyone performing TA work should receive the same pay and benefits of a TA.
Share any information about upcoming meetings or events
that concern TA's and RA's with other
members of the GEO/UAW and your steward