Next Bargaining: Wednesday, July 1st
Next Bargaining Session: Wednesday, July 1st at 11:30 AM – DIFFERENT ROOM
Join our bargaining for the seventh bargaining session this Wednesday, July 1 from 11:30-1:30 in Student Center East, White Oak Room or on Zoom (room opens at 11). We have presented all of our proposals, and now we expect management's written responses and counterproposals to really start flowing in. They've had our entire contract since April and have only returned a handful of written counterproposals to date: far less productive negotiation than we'd like to see considering our contract expires in 7 weeks. Our bargaining team hopes that management will come to the table with more prepared, written, and substantive counterproposals, but they will also prepare for management's continued slow-rolling of the process.
Come in person, and you could see some indoor fireworks!
Stand Up for Science: Public Comments Needed
The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) revealed its plan to restructure and undermine the process for funding grants for scientific research. This plan has the potential to eliminate the independent, nonpartisan process and instead use political appointees to pick and choose which proposals and institutions qualify for funding.
OMB is currently accepting public comments on this proposed change until July 13. It is critical that we flood the system with public comments expressing our concerns. Read here for more about what’s at stake, what this change would mean for science, and step-by-step instructions for how to leave a public comment. You can find the direct link to submit a public comment here.
Survey #1: Did You Receive the Appropriate Amount of Summer Pay?
UICUF leadership and staff are hearing that some faculty did not receive the summer salary they had expected to receive in the June pay period. We are trying to assess the breadth of the problem, and to determine a remedy. We are asking that people report nonpayment on this form. We will not share any personal information without your prior approval.
Survey #2: Call for Survey Participants on Workplace Leave Use
If you have experienced a miscarriage within the last two years, you may be eligible to participate in a research study conducted by a GEO member and PhD Candidate in the School of Public Health. Findings from this study may be particularly beneficial for all unions’ advocacy and bargaining for better policies for workers.
Researchers at UIC’s School of Public Health are interested in hearing from individuals who experienced miscarriage and were working full-time at the time of their loss to understand workplace leave use. This type of research is important because by understanding how people use these workplace leave policies, we are hoping to inform policymakers and other stakeholders to create better informed policies and healthier workplaces.
The study will involve participating in an online screener survey (<5 minutes) and if eligible, a complete survey (<20 minutes). After completing the survey, you can participate in a drawing for a $50 gift card.
Are you eligible?
You have experienced a pregnancy loss/miscarriage since March 2024
At the time of your loss, you were working full-time
You live and work in the United States
You are at least 18 years old
You have internet access
If you are interested in participating, you can complete the screener at go.uic.edu/leavestudy.
Or if you would like more information, you may contact a member of the study team at: avansc6@uic.edu or avelois@uic.edu.