Over the past year, GEU has been working diligently with its members to build our bargaining platform. As we enter our fourth week of bargaining, we have presented PSU with proposals on the four core topics:
Commitment to fair health insurance costs and coverage
For some GAs, the Student Health Insurance Plan is their only option. For others, it would be a convenient option if it were better and cheaper: at present it is too expensive for most, if not all, graduate employees to afford. Last week we presented our twofold proposal: Fully subsidize the PSU health plan; create a shared selection structure to give grads a say in their health plan offerings
Mondays from 12 pm – 3 pm, we will be making our case! Come show your support and hear the administration reply firsthand. Link below!
Assistance for graduate employees who are caregivers
Our goal for supporting caregivers is to: Set aside spots in PSU affiliated child care centers for grads; subsidize the use of PSU affiliated child care centers
Reducing the burden of fees for international & DACA recipient graduate employees
For grads who are international students or DACA recipients, they are burdened by fees in order to attend and work at PSU. We create an equitable support systems for these grads
Extended funding opportunities for grads
Job stability is a stressful part about being a grad. Rather than allowing the consistent uncertainty of knowing whether or not you’ll be able to pay your bills or continue your education, we are fighting for contracts to be for at least 1 academic year and establish rules for the reappointment process. Additionally, in response to ongoing issues, we want to hold PSU accountable for late notices of appointment or being paid late through compensating the grads.
Weekly on Mondays 12 pm – 3 pm:
https://pdx.zoom.us/j/89575632910
Negotiations with PSU for our next contract are in the works. If you would like to get in touch about anything bargaining related, please email bargaining@pdxgeu.org.
If you want to find out more about the current contract, you can access it here: https://pdxgeu.org/collective-bargaining-agreement/