Our Successes & Your Involvement

What has the GEU done for graduate workers?

In the past few years, the GEU has successfully won:

  • An increase in the base salary of 10% in 2015, with a further 10% increase over three years.
  • Annual stipend increases of 2% for all TAs
  • Tuition waiver (9 credits fall and spring; 5 credits summer) plus 450 additional credits in the tuition credit pool
  • Free, comprehensive health care
  • Substantial employer contributions to dependent health insurance
  • Domestic partner benefits
  • A grievance procedure to ensure fair resolution of work-related problems
  • Sick leave and family emergency leave
  • Comprehensive mental health coverage
  • Parking
  • Workload limits and overwork protection
  • Paid, department-specific teacher training
  • Posting of all jobs to ensure equal access to employment
  • Dental insurance with a 50% employer contribution

What can graduate workers 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
    • Contact organizing@geuatmsu.org
  • Join a committee
    • Publicity committee focuses on communication information@geuatmsu.org
    • Member defense protects grad workers through mediation and grievance procedures defense@geuatmsu.org
    • Budget committee works to ensure the financial health of the GEU treasurer@geuatmsu.org
  • Attend a bargaining session
  • Attend general 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 – geu@geuatmsu.org.