by Austin Britton and Cassie Urbenz, Graduate Assistants United
What is Impasse? Why are we here?
Graduate Assistants United has been negotiating the next full contract for over two years.
After endless sessions at the bargaining table, UF and GAU mutually agreed to declare an impasse. This means that we do not believe that we will be able to solve our differences at the bargaining table, and need to bring in a third party (a Special Magistrate) to help.
On Nov. 17 in the Reitz Union Senate Chamber, the special magistrate will hear arguments from GAU and UF about the issues at impasse, and quickly after that come back with what he believes is the best agreement. If both parties agree, we will take this language to a ratification vote. If either side disagrees, the issue goes to the Board of Trustees to decide.
Why should I care?
This is the first time a union at the University has actually had a hearing for a declared impasse in recent history. This will determine workers’ rights and whether or not the Board of Trustees has the ability to serve as judge, jury, and executioner when deciding disputes with a collective bargaining agent.
Your presence at this hearing makes clear the power of the court of public opinion and could very well be the only thing that holds them accountable.
What Issues are at Impasse?
Stipends: Despite increases in the cost of living, UF has not budged on giving GAs any raise, even as they make huge profits each year off the backs of graduate assistants. We are fighting for a substantial increase to the minimum stipend, getting us ever closer to our goal of a living wage.
Released Time: This provision gives GAU a certain amount of FTE per year to hire GAs to help with paperwork, work in our office, meet with GAs, and overall help ensure that our contract is protected and GAs have someone they can meet with in person most days of the week.
This position is historically used by GAU to hire GAs who would otherwise have no funding, or be at risk of having to leave campus or the country. This has been in our contract for at least 20 years, and UF has committed to the complete removal of this, putting our ability to exist at risk.
How can I help?
Show up to the hearing, sign our petition, and please share this information with fellow community members and UF alumni.
Petition is at: tinyurl.com/Iguana2309