As an undergraduate student, I would like to express solidarity with the GEO as they negotiate for a fair labor contract. A living wage, protection of tuition waivers, and good health and child care are by no means radical demands. These are basic human needs that must be met to have an effective workforce teaching our classes and running our academic programs.

Simply disregarding these needs because of the tough economic climate ignores the reality of our University’s financial situation. In fiscal year 2009, our campus budget increased by 7%. Raising the minimum salary of TAs and GAs to a living wage would cost less than 0.2% of the campus budget. This increase is affordable.

I have read the proposals of both the Graduate Employees Organization and the University Administration. I am an undergraduate student. I take out thousands of dollars in loans to pay tuition here at the University. I am affected by the conditions of the Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants who run this institution. And I support putting my tuition dollars towards meeting the needs of our University’s workforce.

Our University Administrators—Provost Easter, President White, and President Ikenberry—need to get their act together and sign onto the GEO’s contract proposal immediately.

Dan Weber

senior in LAS