Who is GEOC?
GEOC is a volunteer run union representing Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) at Wayne State University (WSU). These GTAs and GSAs make up the collective bargaining unit of graduate employees at WSU.
What does GEOC do?
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Protects employees rights
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Negotiates the Union/University contract for GTAs and GSAs
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Offers travel and teaching awards to GTAs and GSAs for exemplary work
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Organizes social events for members to attend
Is GEOC affiliated with a larger organization?
GEOC is affiliated with 2 parent unions.
When did GEOC form?
GEOC was formed in 1997, and negotiated the first contract that year.
Why did GEOC form?
GEOC formed to prevent the university's attempt to take away graduate employees' health benefits. Graduate employees at WSU are now working under the fifth contract negotiated my members of GEOC. Due to the hard work of many past members, graduate employees now enjoy many concrete benefits including the following: cost of living raises each year, healthcare, tuition waivers, and protection from unfair working conditions through a detailed grievance procedure.
What does the structure of GEOC look like?
GEOC holds elections for steering committee officers in the winter semester of each academic year. The elected positions include the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, and grievance chair. GEOC also has a committee of departmental stewards who are lead by the vice president of the steering committee. In addition to these volunteer positions, GEOC employs a staff organizer, who assists in the day to day functioning of the organization.