Who can become a member?
Anyone employed at MSU as a Teaching Assistant is a member of our Collective Bargaining Unit. Any graduate student who has no funding or funding through a GA or RA position is eligible to join the GEU at a reduced rate.
How can I become a member?
It’s easy. Just fill out the union membership card that came 1) in the mail or 2) from your department. If you don’t have one, email or call (517.332.2824) the GEU Office and we’ll get one to you.
Why should I become a member?
Signing a membership card give you an equal voice in setting union policy and the opportunity to control your wages, benefits, and working conditions. Being a member shows your support for all of the past GEU members who have bargained for the benefits you enjoy – and a way of committing yourself to making things better for TAs (and RAs) in the future. Joining the GEU increases our negotiating strength. Each additional member reinforces the message to the administration that the GEU is a force to be taken seriously. Our experience shows that this greatly improves and protects working conditions. Graduate employees are dependent on the university not only for appointments to cover a portion of their living expenses, but also for grades and recommendations. Only a strong union can bargain for fair contracts and protect graduate employees from excessive workloads, harassment, discrimination, and retribution, all of which could damage our future careers. If you think you don’t need to join because things are fine in your department, think again. No matter how good they are, they could be even better, especially with the budget as tight as it is these days. Besides, even if things seem fine now, conditions could deteriorate with a shift in university priorities, a new department chair, or bad budget news. Only an effective union presence guarantees that the administration doesn’t react to these changes by trying to squeeze more work out of its graduate employees.
Can international students get involved in GEU?
Yes! The GEU is for all graduate students. You can join – and be active – in the GEU with no fear of repercussions. In the history of the GEU, no international student has had any problems with the university with her visa status as a result of her involvement with the Union. Furthermore, it is against the law for the university to discriminate against anyone as a result of her union activity, and union activity cannot be taken into account when the INS considers your visa. The GEU is here to protect and represent you, and is the best resource for you if you run into complications with your job. By getting involved, you can make sure that the GEU can represent the full diversity of the union!
How do I get an item on the agenda for a GEU membership meeting?
If you have an issue of pressing concern you’d like to see the GEU membership address at a meeting, contact your department steward and ask her/him to forward your agenda item to the GEU Executive Board for inclusion in the meeting agenda. You can also contact the GEU office directly: email geu@geuatmsu.org or call 517.332.2824.
How much are my dues and when do I pay them?
Dues are 1.6% of your gross salary and are automatically deducted from your paycheck after you sign a yellow membership card. Your dues enable the union to negotiate contracts by paying for GEU staff, rent, and supplies. Paying union dues is one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
What is the Representation Fee (“fair share”), and why do non-members have to pay it?
Michigan law requires that the GEU contract cover all TAs and that the GEU represent and provide full services to all employees, not just to GEU members. It’s only fair that all TAs pay their share of the cost of bargaining the contract, handling employee grievances, and lobbying for improved employee benefits, because we all benefit from the Union. TAs who aren’t union members pay a monthly representation fee (1.44%) to cover the costs of union representation, because all TAs, not just GEU members, enjoy union-won benefits, such as free health care, wage increases, and a fair grievance procedure. This fee is called a representation fee. The bottom line is that whether or not you’re a member of the GEU, you’re paying. But if you join the union, you’ll have a voice in how your money is being spent and in the priorities of the GEU. You’ll be able to discuss and vote on the contract that represents you. You’ll also receive regular emails from the GEU informing you about the state of your contract and recent grievance victories that may affect you – so why not join today?
I’m not a TA anymore, but you’re still taking out dues from my paycheck. What should I do?
This is a University coding error. You can contact Payroll (517.355.5010 ext. 214) directly, or contact the GEU Office and ask for the assistance of the Treasurer.
What has the GEU done for me?
In the past few years, the GEU has successfully won:
- a full tuition waiver (9 credits fall and spring; 4 credits summer)
- free, comprehensive health care
- a grievance procedure to ensure fair resolution of work-related problems
- sick leave and family emergency leave
- workload limits and overwork protection
- paid, department-specific teacher training
- posting of all jobs to ensure equal access to employment
- employer contribution to dental care
What can I do for the GEU?
The GEU is YOUR union! Take ownership of your union by being an engaged and active member. Talk to your department steward about the union’s agenda or become a steward yourself; join a committee; attend a bargaining session; attend membership meetings to discuss and vote on union priorities; wear a GEU T-shirt or button; tell your students you’re a union member; stand up for your rights! We owe our successes to the volunteer involvement of our members – grad employees just like you. Contact the GEU today to find out how you fit in!
Who gets a tuition waiver?
All TAs receive a full tuition waiver.
What should I do if I get a tuition bill?
First, contact your department and verify they have sent your TA paperwork to the registrar. If they have not, ask them to submit one. If your department has sent the required paperwork, contact the registrars office to find out what the problem is.
Rooms 110 and 140 1st Floor
Hannah Administration Bldg.
East Lansing, MI 48824
Telephone Numbers:
Cashier Services: 517.355.5023
Student Accounts / Billing and Receivables: 517.355.3343
Toll Free: 800.775.4323
Fees Sponsored Aid & Fellowships: 517.355.5050
Fax: 517.353.9640
student.receivables@ctlr.msu.edu
If they cannot help call the MSU Director of Employee Relations, Scott Sowelewski, at 517.353.5510 Ext. 103.
If none of that works, call the Union at 517.332.2824.
Why isn’t FICA withheld from my pay?
Congress has determined that paying FICA creates a significant financial hardship for graduate employees who typically scrape together a subsistence during their time on campus. For more information visit: http://www.aft.org/higher_ed/news/2005/fica_win.htm
