LEO Statement on GEO Ending Strike

On Wednesday night, 78% of present members of the University of Michigan’s Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO - AFT-MI 3550) voted to accept the Administration’s most recent offer and end the strike they began last week. Having supported GEO’s efforts since the strike began, LEO President Ian Robinson and Vice-President Kirsten Herold issued the following statement on behalf of the union.  

“As this historic strike comes to a close, we must first acknowledge the enormity of GEO’s work over the past week. In the midst of an unprecedented crisis, GEO lifted the concerns of graduate students, undergraduate students, faculty, and countless other workers on campus. LEO congratulates GEO on reaching this agreement.

On Wednesday morning, LEO condemned the Administration’s decision to file for an injunction against GEO – an old union-busting tactic.  As part of the agreement with GEO, the Administration has now agreed to withdraw this filing. We commend GEO for insisting that the Administration commit to no retaliation against striking undergraduate workers as well as GEO members.

In light of these developments, the two LEO picket shifts scheduled for tomorrow morning in Ann Arbor and Detroit have been canceled. Though the strike has ended, LEO will continue to insist that the Administration respond to workers’ needs as this pandemic unfolds. GEO, undergraduate Residential Advisors, and student dining hall workers have lifted the voices of countless community members whose safety remains at risk and who need our support.  LEO will join with those who insist that UM employees and their organizations be included in decisions bearing on our health and safety and that of the communities in which we live.   

Today, we congratulate GEO on its advocacy for the University community. Tomorrow, we continue to work with the Administration for a safe and just campus.” 

– Ian Robinson, President, and Kirsten Herold, Vice-President, Lecturers’ Employee Organization (AFT-MI 6442) 

On Wednesday morning, LEO also issued a statement in support of GEO as it extended its work stoppage. To read the statement in its entirety, click here. 

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The Lecturers' Employee Organization (LEO - AFT Local 6244) is the union of all non-tenure track faculty (lecturers) on all three campuses of the University of Michigan. It is a democratic organization run by members, most of whom are volunteers. LEO operates with the belief that the right to collective bargaining empowers us to fight for the respect we deserve as teaching professionals who are also recognized scholars, artists, and entrepreneurs.