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Under the wire

GEO's last-minute extension

Less than 24 hours before the Graduate Employees Organization could have gone on strike, the union and the University agreed to extend bargaining negotiations through March 13. Last week, 81 percent of GEO's voting members approved a measure allowing the union's steering committee to call a strike if a contract resolution was not reached by today's deadline. The latest move caps a monthlong bargaining process in which the University has been slow to acknowledge -- let alone meet -- GEO's reasonable demands. GSIs graciously continued to teach during the bargaining process. The graduate instructors deserve commendation for their decision to continue bargaining and not strike; they have extended themselves beyond duty.

GEO members said they decided to extend the deadline because it has made some progress in its negotiations with the University. The two sides agreed last night to hire an affirmative action liaison to head a previously planned committee to handle discrimination and hiring procedure complaints. This small comprise is heartening, but the University is far from fair in its treatment of GSIs.

The union also suggested that bargaining efforts focus on the economic proposals. Focusing attention here is the next logical step -- wage increases and improvements in benefits are the centerpiece of GEO's proposals. The union is seeking a 15-percent wage increase to make ends meet; the University's own statistics showed that the increase would bring GSIs to an economic level that would allow them to live in the Ann Arbor community. Most GSIs currently receive a stipend of $850 per month; Ann Arbor's cost of living is close to $1,200. The union's request is not excessive or greedy -- it is necessary for GSIs to live adequately.

Another point of contention between the two sides is over international GSI training and support. GEO's proposal calls for increased economic and educational support to potential and hired international GSIs. Such a program would benefit the entire University: The undergraduate students would have better prepared GSIs and the University would continue to enjoy its worldwide reputation. Last night's extension of the deadline signals hope that the University and GEO will reach an agreement on the issue -- they must ride the momentum to a quick solution.

By settling the negotiations as quickly as possible, the University would reaffirm its commitment to undergraduate studies. Also, a contract would provide reinforcement for graduate programs by continuing to attract the best and brightest students in the nation -- not only on the strength of its reputation and accomplishments, but on the clear support of this academic community.

However, a strike would not benefit the University community. The University should have been making aggressive attempts to settle with GEO since the original contract expired in early February. The new extension gives both sides an opportunity to use the spring break week, with minimal distractions on campus, to reach an acceptable agreement. Eventually the GSIs' patience will run out, and they'll strike.

GSIs are indispensable -- administrators need to face this fact. While running a streamlined institution is desirable, efficiency cannot come at the cost of damaging or dismissing the University's primary focus: education. GSIs reaffirmed their commitment to undergraduate education last night. The University must settle differences by the new deadline. GSIs provide a vital service to the University. It is time for this community to give them the support they have earned and, moreover, deserve.