Seattle Press on Line - UW Grad Student Union Doubles Its Numbers

University District

UW Grad Student Union Doubles Its Numbers

By Roberta Cruger

Dec 06, 2001 -- As the end of fall quarter approaches at the University of Washington, department heads prepare for the monumental task of grading thousands of papers. In the event of an academic employees union strike when classes end December 12, some finals could turn into multiple-choice exams.

With Research and Staff Assistants at UW recently joining the 1,500 Teaching Assistants, Readers, Graders, and Tutors who were already members, the union ranks more than doubled to 3,700 members. It remains to be seen if this show of solidarity will increase leverage in negotiations with the administration.

"The University's resistance to recognize the GSEAC/UAW as our exclusive bargaining representative is the big sticking point," says Kristen Intemann, the union spokesperson and a TA. "It shows a refusal to let go of unilateral control."

UW maintains the State Attorney's legal opinion states authorization is required through legislation. A joint attempt by the union and UW to pass it failed last fall. Other University unions went through this process, explains Norm Arkans, Associate Vice-President for University Relations, adding this is the first academic group to unionize.

Until the legislature reconvenes in January, "We continue to talk," says Intemann, not revealing any further strategy as they hammer out issues.

However, emails circulating at the University threaten termination if "employees don't meet responsibilities." The union sees the firing of strikers as evidence of the school's "anti-worker" policies. Though no official policy is issued, according to Arkans, "We will support the Chairs' determination of future appointments."

The Graduate Professional Student Senate has written resolutions in support of the union. Its president, David Nixon, says of the cheerleading effort, "We've urged the University to recognize the union's exclusive bargaining rights."

He tries imagining a multiple-choice final exam in his major, philosophy. "'Does God exist? a) true, b) false,'" he laughs. "It's crazy."

Or, c) depends which side you're on.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!

No comments yet!