FAQ on a Potential GEO Strike

FAQSolidarity
Written By LEO Communications Committee

With a potential strike by the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) looming on campus, we know that LEO members (Lecs and LACs) have questions!

We’ve tried to answer some of the big ones below in this FAQ. If you have more questions or want guidance on a particular situation, please contact the LEO office and we’ll make sure you get the info you need!

Will GEO go on strike?

Per GEO’s constitution, as with LEO, a strike can only be authorized by a vote of the members. A successful vote gives GEO’s Bargaining Team and elected officers the authority to call a strike if they deem it necessary to win a strong agreement.

What is GEO fighting for?

GEO is fighting for “Affordability, Dignity, and a UM for all”.  Their platform includes demands for:

  • A living wage for grad workers

  • A UM-provided emergency fund for international grad workers

  • Improved childcare subsidies

  • Better trans healthcare and mental health care

  • Funding for an unarmed non-police response service on campus

You can learn more about GEO’s platform here: bit.ly/GEO-Platform

What will happen to grads who go on strike?

As public employees, GEO members (and also LEO members) are prohibited from withholding labor under state law, and they are bound by a no-strike clause in their contract during the life of the agreement (but not after it expires). The employer has declared the intent to seek a legal injunction, withhold dues, and withhold wages from striking grad workers. By going on strike, GEO members are demonstrating a willingness to take on significant risk to win the improvements they need.

How has GEO asked us to support them?

In addition, GEO is asking that we strongly urge our members not to penalize any striking GSIs under their supervision.

How is LEO supporting GEO?

LEO’s Union Council released a statement on March 8th, available here, encouraging LEO members to demonstrate solidarity with a potential GEO strike. LEO’s SPACE Committee and stewards are spreading the word about GEO’s fight and recruiting members to take solidarity actions with GEO.

Will LEO strike if GEO strikes?

State labor law prohibits public employees from striking, LEO has a no-strike clause in our collective agreements, and we do not suggest members violate either. As a Union we cannot engage in a collective work stoppage without serious consideration. To do so, we would have to conduct a strike authorization vote among all members. A majority would have to vote yes to authorize the Union Council to call a strike. It is highly unlikely that this will happen.

How can I support the picket line?

LEO is not planning to go on strike. As an individual, you should follow your own conscience and do what you believe is right for you and your students. As a Union, LEO believes strongly in solidarity with other unions and supporting other unions in their bargaining demands, as they have supported us. You can support the picket line by signing up for picket shifts, pledging not to take on struck work, and holding class at a non-campus location or on Zoom. For help navigating your particular situation, please contact your union at office@leounion.org.

Will I be asked to cover the work of striking GSIs?

We know departments are already asking tenure-track faculty and lecturers to agree to cover GSI work. This is a tactic by the administration to lessen the impact of a strike and undermine labor power by dividing workers from each other. If you are asked to do this, we strongly recommend you don’t, as taking struck work is scabbing. It seems to us that most lecturers are far too busy with their own classes to take on additional work, and you can certainly tell your supervisor that.

That said, it is possible, although highly unlikely, that a supervisor will attempt to force you to take on GSI work. If so, again, refuse firmly but politely. If they persist, contact office@leounion.org for further guidance.

What could happen to me if I withhold my labor?

Given admin’s threats against GEO, we should expect that not showing up for work could result in discipline, including withholding of pay, and even in a highly unlikely scenario, dismissal. If you are worried, contact office@leounion.org.

Do I need to report striking GSIs?

No.  If you are asked to report striking GEO members to administration, refuse politely but firmly. Please reach out to office@leounion.org for support if needed.

Will there be compensation for additional work?

If a member of the lecturer bargaining unit must pick up additional work as a result of a GEO work stoppage, you must be paid. See Article XXX of the lecturer contract.

Won’t a strike harm students?

Yes, of course there is short-term learning loss by having classes canceled. No strike is without cost, or it would have no effect! That said, if a strike helps GEO meet its bargaining demands and create a better campus for graduate workers and the larger community, that helps us all in the longer term.

What should I tell my students about the GEO strike?

If you feel comfortable doing so, take time before or after class to share info about GEO and their demands, your own union, and how union solidarity works. 

With students who are supportive of the strike, you can encourage them to take some of the following actions: 

LEO Communications Committee
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