at Southern Illinois University Carbondale
May 11, 2011 Leave a comment
GAU would like to announce your officers for the 2011-2012 year:
President: Jim Podesva
Vice-President of Communications: Kristi Brownfield
Secretary/Treasurer: Dennis McDonald
We thank you for your support during this difficult time at SIUC during contract bargaining, budget contention, and increasing job insecurity across the campus. To get a better idea of some of the things we’ll be doing over the next year:
Bargaining:
GAU is committed to bargaining a fair, mutually acceptable contract that addresses the issues GAs have working on campus, including the rising fees, the substandard health care plan, and multi-year contracts. For more information on what is still on the bargaining table right now and what the administration wants you to have: http://gaunited.org/bargaining-whats-at-stake/
Grievances:
A grievance is filed when the administration violates the contract. If you are working more than 20 hours a week at your assistantship regularly — this is a violation of the contract. If your supervisor is threatening to fire you because they don’t like you — this is a violation of the contract. GAU helps individuals or groups of GAs who are being treated unfairly solve these types of problems.
Political Action:
GAU is working to bring your voices to the legislature. When politicians understand the value of education, they make a commitment to fund education. Further, GAU keeps an eye on bills and legislation in Illinois that might effect you. For example, did you know that concealed guns might be coming to campuses? We did! We will continue to bring your voices to the legislature.
We hope to work with you over the next year to create a better, stronger SIUC!
May 4, 2011 Leave a comment
Kristi Brownfield had the honor of welcoming thousands of IEA members from all across the state to Springfield for Lobby Day. IEA is offering a replay of their streaming video from the event: here (Kristi is featured around the 23:30 mark). You can also read a text version of her comments:
Talking to legislators is an important part of what we can do to protect our jobs. This is particularly important now as the legislature is looking at further cutting the budget for education at all levels.
For more information on the proposed changes, and other legislative news, we recommend you subscribe to IEA’s Capital Report. To contact your local legislators, please visit the Illinois General Assembly for contact information and times when they will be available in their local offices. Emails and letters are good but phone calls and in-person visits are even better!
