A grievance is what we call a violation of the collective bargaining agreement or contract that we negotiate with MSU. The contract (CBA) is a legally binding agreement. Our contract specifies the wages, benefits and working conditions that every TA at MSU can expect.
Workload: Working beyond your appointment fraction without a corresponding bump in pay.
Pay Rates: See the minimum amounts guaranteed by our contract.
Workload: The GEU/MSU contract is very specific about the number of hours TAs should be working on their appointment. (The following are maximums.)
- 10 hours per week for a ¼ time appointment
- 20 hours per work for a ½ time appointment
- 30 hours per week for a ¾ time appointment
What counts as work?
Any work associated with your assistantship should be included in your workload tally. This means orientations, prep, grading, proctoring exams, office hours, answering student email, staff meetings, and teaching. If you have questions about your workload or what constitutes work under your assistantship, call the Union! You might also use an appointment worksheet to establish expectations in advance. Teaching Assistants who believe they have worked more hours than the average allowed for by their appointment fraction are encouraged to contact the Union at 517.332.2824 or by email at geu@geuatmsu.org. The contract allows the Union to file overwork grievances up to 30 days after the semester ends.
Appointments
All newly appointed and re-appointed employees shall receive a letter of appointment that specifies: title, appointment fraction, effective dates, salary, teaching or work schedule and supervisors name. The reappointment letter shall not contain any language that attaches the offer of employment to funding or budget contingencies. The employing department will notify an employee of a decision to reemploy or not to re-employ as an employee:
A. By March 31 for those who will be employed for the following Summer Semester, by April 22, for those who will be employed for the following Fall Semester,and
B. By December 1 for those who will be employed for the following Spring Semester.
More information
For more detailed information from our contract, see the contract flyers prepared by our grievance committee. You can also look for signs of your own situation in the letters sent to the grievance committee and answer in the “GEU Cares” advice column (which can be located through the categories menu on the right).
