University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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des the 3EO have a Chip Peterson right t. strike? stry by Emma CartWTight While I was learning about the history of labor relations from my teaching assistant in History 161, the Graduate Em- ployees Organization (GEO) was planning a strike. While we learned that work stoppages were the only way employees could find to make their employers hear their cries, the GEO was learning the same thing. If the University had not been so resistant to the needs of the GEO, the work stoppage would never have occurred. The requests were neither revolutionary nor radical; they simply asked for a few simple concessions. The University forced the GEO to enact a work stoppage, which consisted of two days during which graduate students refused to grade papers or tests, boycotted lectures, and cancelled discussion sections. One of the GEO ' s demands was that the title teaching assistant (TA) be replaced with graduate student instructor (GSI). The change in title reflected what these men and women did: instruct classes. After all, GSIs hold and teach discussion sections. This is a more than acceptable request. In my experience at the University, I have had entire courses taught by graduate students. They deserve a title that accurately reflects their duties and position. Many people claim that the GEO ' s walkout was unjus- tified because the graduate students get such a good deal. True, they receive a salary and attend the University for free, but these are the people who do most of the work. They grade all of the papers and tests, not the professor. They take the responsibility of clarifying and offering additional help. It wasn ' t only graduate students who thought the Uni- versity was being unfair. Many professors cancelled classes during the work stoppage in support of the GEO ' s actions. If the University had simply recognized that the demands of the GEO were justified, students would not have missed two valuable days of classes so close to finals. By calling a work stoppage, the GEO was not forcing the University to concede to their demands. Rather, in the tradition of labor unions, when the University refused to be flexible, the GEO used the power of its services to achieve their goal. 36 + GEO 3try by Jhn Whelan Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) receive free ition, medical and dental benefits, and a salary from the Unive: sity for their services. Their duties entail grading paper teaching a discussion section, attending lectures, and holdi office hours. In return, GSIs are paid to attend a top gradua program, and they receive full benefits. Unfortunately, the de was not good enough for the Graduate Employees Organizati (GEO), the union representing all of the GSIs. When GEO was founded in 1 975, its aims were reaso able and fair. They wanted to reach agreements on nondi crimination, affirmative action, and medical benefits. Folio ing a month-long strike, they won these concessions, as well i other agreements in their contract with the University ' s admit istration. As a result of these efforts, graduate employees at th University receive one of the best benefit packages in th country. Why would GEO hold a strike in April 1996 eve though they receive all of these great benefits? In negotiatior with the administration, the GEO decided to flex its strengi and attempt to bring the campus to its knees. It failed. TheGE wanted TAs (teaching assistants) to be called GSIs indicatin that they actually taught classes. They went on strike to earn th right to legally limit class size. No more last minute override would be allowed. This provision would mean that a senic who needed a natural science credit to graduate would not g an override into that class. They also fought for a moi organized way to post job openings within departments. Thes petty issues should never have been the cause of a strike. GEO rightly provides graduate employees with a voic If the GSIs were left unrepresented, the University would tak advantage of them; however, GEO had already won the majc benefits that GSIs deserve. It is not fair or wise for GEO to pus for petty gains. English GSI Ulises Silva, said, I don ' t knoi what they ' re [GEO] complaining about. We ' ve got a great des here. It does not serve GSIs, undergraduate students, or t ' University to have a needlessly divided campus. iayut by Emma Cartwrigh

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Signing a petition for the GEO strike in April. Deciding whether or not to rush a Greek house. c e s Surviving in a class with 300 students. Seeing the Nike swoosh on Michigan apparel. Beyond the rallies, the protests, and the controversy. Using your voice to speak out. There was a chance to be to be yourself. A chance to have your own Michigan Voices 35

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Solii m protesting unfair contract conditions, Graduate Student Instructors rally for a new contract in April. One of the demands of the union was a change in title for its employees from teaching assistant to graduate student instructor. Student reac- tions to the strike were mixed, some enjoyed the extra t vo days without class, while others were annoyed that the GEO was infringing on their education. Chip] GEO