Thread by @geo_uiuc

Our 8th bargaining session with UIUC administration just kicked off! Once again, the admin's bargaining team arrives without a full contract proposal for us. Follow this thread for live updates on the session.

#UniversitiesWorkBecauseWeDo #WeAreGEO #FairContractNow

GEO Lead Negotiators Essam & Karla again express an interest in expediting the admin's line of questioning re our contract proposals. We ask why, again, the admin refuses to provide us with their questions in advance to streamline things. They provides no clear answer in response

The GEO leads note that @UofIllinois has the resources to be near the top of the Big 10 in terms of wages for its grad workers. Currently, UIUC ranks near the bottom of the conference. Our wage proposal rationale is based on our peer institutions whose grad are also unionized.

Heading to a brief caucus now. GEO members, if you registered for the session, check your email for the caucus link!

University lead negotiator Robb Craddock, as has become routine at this point, is consistently interrupting and raising his voice to speak over GEO negotiators. GEO leads Karla and Essam remain calm and respectful. Unfortunately admin's lack of etiquette is par for the course.

After politely objecting to Robb's demeaning conduct and condescending tone towards us, GEO leads move to the our next proposal which concerns our healthcare benefits.

Our members need comprehensive, year-round healthcare. This is a human rights issue. As it stands @UofIllinois drops grad workers from healthcare unless they have a summer appointment, which are difficult to obtain. UIUC has the resources to provide benefits throughout the summer

The @UofILSystem Board of Trustees voted to raise healthcare premiums even at the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic in summer 2020, forcing grad workers & undergrads to make brutal decisions between paying rent or healthcare, or go into (further) debt.

will.illinois.edu/news/story/uni…

The fact that UIUC has the resources to provide these benefits year-round and simply CHOOSES not to is simply immoral and inhumane. It's clear they only care about grad workers when we are producing value for them in the form of expert teaching, instruction, and research.

We've moved to caucus. GEO members, if you registered for the session, check your email for the caucus link!

After a prolonged exchange about how GEO might become involved in negotiations with the university over our healthcare provider/plan, we are moving towards the Childcare section of our proposal.

Admin team asks how many grad workers would utilize childcare facilities were they to be offered. Extremely hard to say given that UIUC has never offered any substantive childcare services! 👶🙃