Article I: Name

1. The name of this organization shall be the Graduate Employees’ Organization, or in short GEO (“the union”).

Article II: Objectives of the GEO

1. Organizing: To empower graduate employees on the job and within the wider University community.
2. Collective Representation and Bargaining: To act as the representative for graduate employees in negotiations with the University administration and any other relevant body over terms and conditions of employment.
3. Education: To promote quality instruction and research at the University.
4. Community: To foster a sense of community among graduate employees from all departments and backgrounds.
5. Cooperation and Social Justice: To cooperate with other working people on campus and beyond in order to promote social justice.

Article III: Membership

1. Any person employed by the University in a bargaining unit for which the union is the recognized bargaining agent is eligible to be a member of the union. Any person formerly employed in such a bargaining unit and expecting re-employment within one year is eligible for membership.
2. All graduate students at the University are eligible for membership in the union.
3. All officers, duly elected, shall be eligible for membership, for the academic year in which they hold office, by virtue of their election.
4. Members shall remain in good standing by paying regular dues to the union and by complying with directives of the union. The By-laws will specify dues. Officers must remain members in good standing of the GEO in order to retain their position.
5. No eligible person shall be denied membership. All members in good standing will have equal rights and privileges under this constitution.

Article IV: Organizational Structure

1. The GEO is a representative body, and its structure shall reflect the democratic values on which it is based. Members shall suffer no impairment of freedom of speech concerning the operations of the GEO. Active discussion of GEO affairs shall be encouraged and protected within the GEO.
2. The Coordinating Committee is the executive body of the union. Between meetings of the CC officers shall exercise such powers as are granted to them by this constitution or by the CC.
3. The Stewards Council shall exercise oversight of the Coordinating Committee, shall advise the CC, and may refer any action (or lack of action) or decision by the CC or an officer to a membership meeting.
4. Subject to this constitution, the bye-laws of the GEO, and other decisions approved by ballot as laid out in Article VI, membership meetings, as regulated by article V, shall be the supreme decision making body of the union.
5. Members shall have the right to full participation in the decision-making process, through discussion and voting, and shall receive due notice of membership meetings and have access to any information necessary for the exercise of this right.
6. The enumeration in this constitution of certain roles or powers for a body or officer shall not prevent that body or officer from holding other roles or powers not so enumerated.

Article V: Membership Meetings

1. Regular membership meetings shall be held at least once during each of the fall and spring academic semesters.
2. Membership meetings shall be run in accordance with such rules of procedure (’standing orders’) as may be specified in the union bye-laws from time to time.
3. Any member may have any matter placed on the agenda either before the meeting or, by making a motion (subject to a vote), at the meeting, as regulated by standing orders, except where restricted by this constitution or by law. At any meeting, members shall have the right to make a motion on any topic being considered by the meeting.

Article VI: Ballots, elections, and referenda

1. Officer elections, and votes on contracts or to authorize industrial action shall be by secret ballot, and shall be called by the Coordinating Committee. Membership may also vote to have any issue put to such a ballot by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting at a membership meeting.
2. Ballots shall be free, fair, and democratic, and shall be operated by the elections committee. The election committee, in setting procedure, shall adhere to any directions from the Stewards Council, and to the following provisions:
   1. Written notice of officer elections will be mailed to all members at their home addresses no less than 15 days before that election.
   2. The GEO will comply with all reasonable requests of any election candidate to distribute by mail or otherwise, at the candidate’s expense, campaign literature in aid of such person’s candidacy to all members in good standing.
   3. The GEO will not promote the candidacy of any particular candidate in an election
   4. Each member in good standing shall be entitled to an equal number of votes.
   5. Provision will be made for candidates to have observers at the polling place and the counting of ballots.
   6. Voting will take place for at least eight hours on each of two consecutive days.
   7. Ballots and all other records pertaining to officer elections shall be preserved for one year.
   8. The conduct of elections shall be consistent with all relevant laws, including, in particular, the standards for such elections developed under Title IV of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA).
   9. The by-laws will specify the voting system to be used.
3. An election to fill a vacant officership must be held within 25 days of the vacancy arising.
4. All elected officials of the GEO may be recalled, subject to the conditions and procedures listed below.
   1. Any member in good standing may circulate a petition requesting recall of a particular officer. Anyone desiring to recall more than one officer must circulate a petition for each officer s/he seeks to recall.
   2. A petition that has received official endorsement from at least 10% of all members in good standing may then be submitted directly to any member of the Coordinating Committee or to one of the Stewards’ Chairs.
   3. All action pertaining to a petition to recall and all action regarding sustaining recall shall be conducted at a special meeting of the membership called for that purpose. This meeting shall occur no more than two weeks after receipt of a petition to recall and membership shall receive due notice of the meeting.
   4. Voting shall be in secret. Two-thirds of members present and voting are required to support the motion to recall in order for it to succeed.

Article VII: Officers

1. The officers of the GEO shall consist of two Co-Presidents, a Treasurer, a Communications Officer, a Grievance Officer and three Officers-at-Large.
2. Officers shall be elected by a vote of the membership during the Spring semester, and serve until the elections in the following Spring semester. No person shall hold the same office for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
3. All members shall be eligible to run for and hold office, except that regular employees of the GEO, the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), or the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) may not become officers of the GEO. This section does not preclude the union from deciding to pay a stipend or wage to any officer. Any such wage must be approved by the membership at a membership meeting.

Article VIII: Officers’ Duties

1. Co-Presidents
   1. Co-Presidents shall preside over meetings of the Coordinating Committee.
   2. Co-Presidents shall make periodic reports to the membership regarding the state of the GEO.
   3. Co-Presidents shall act as or designate a member or members in good standing to act as liaisons with affiliated organizations or any other relevant body.
   4. The co-Presidents shall nominate the chairpersons of Membership Meetings.
   5. Co-Presidents shall meet regularly with staff to coordinate staff activities.
   6. Co-Presidents may divide these duties as they see fit, but shall share responsibilities equally.
2. Treasurer
   1. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the accounts of the GEO. She or he shall receive and receipt for all monies of the GEO. She or he shall prepare checks for the payment of all liabilities of the GEO that are for purposes authorized or required by this constitution or authorized by the membership and none other. She or he shall sign all checks so prepared.
   2. Members shall have the right to a full and clear accounting of all GEO funds. Such accounting shall include, but not be limited to, periodic reports to the membership by the treasurer and
   3. The Treasurer shall make regular reports to the Membership, and make the financial records of the GEO available for annual audit by officers selected for that purpose or by independent auditors not otherwise connected with the GEO. The membership shall have access to the financial records of the GEO in a manner specified by the by-laws.

Article IX: Committees

1. The Coordinating Committee
   1. The Coordinating Committee will consist of the Officers and up to three Stewards elected by the Stewards Council.
   2. A quorum of six voting members is necessary to conduct business.
   3. Coordinating Committee meetings will be open to the membership to attend on a non-voting basis. The Stewards Council shall be notified of the time and place of meetings and shall have the responsibility of communicating that information to interested members.
   4. The Coordinating Committee shall carry on the day-to-day functions of the union as directed by the membership.
   5. The Coordinating Committee shall make recommendations to the membership for consideration and action.
   6. In the course of carrying out the directives of the membership, the Coordinating Committee may authorize expenditures for organizing materials, office equipment and supplies, and other items necessary for the operation of the union.
2. Stewards Council
   1. The Stewards Council will consist of those stewards appointed by departments as laid out in Article X.
   2. The Stewards Council shall develop and promote organizing and educational programs for Stewards and the membership.
   3. The Stewards Council shall elect two of its members as Co-Chairs who may, but need not be, among the stewards appointed to the Coordinating Committee. The Co-Chairs will be responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the Stewards Council.
   4. The Stewards Council shall meet at least 3 times in each of the fall and spring academic semesters.
   5. The Stewards Council may write its own by-laws to govern its internal operations.
3. The Communications Committee
   1. The Primary responsibility of the Communications Committee will be the instigation and maintenance of all external communications, i.e. with the press and with the public at large.
   2. The Communications Committee will be chaired by the Communications Officer and its membership will include at least one Officer-at-Large. All other committee members will be drawn from the general membership by whatever means are deemed appropriate by the Coordinating Committee.
4. The Personnel Committee
   1. The Primary responsibility of the Personnel Committee is the hiring and firing of all Union staff. Hiring procedures shall in no way discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, marital/parental status, native language or dialect, disability, international or local organization affiliation, or status as a veteran.
   2. The Personnel Committee will also be responsible for establishing all terms of Union staff employment, including, but not limited to, wages and benefits.
   3. The Coordinating Committee will convene the Personnel Committee as the need arises. Its membership will include three people elected by the Stewards Council, one member of the current staff – except when conflict of interest makes such inclusion inappropriate – and the two Co-Presidents who will serve as co-chairs of the committee.
   4. In the event that the GEO staff chooses to unionize, the Personnel Committee, will act as the contract bargaining committee and will work with the staff to establish and renew employee contracts.
5. The Grievance Committee
   1. The Primary responsibility of the Grievance Committee is the handling of grievances between the employer and employees in any bargaining unit represented by the union.
   2. The Grievance Officer shall chair the Grievance Committee.
   3. The other members shall be appointed by the Coordinating Committee, subject to approval by the Stewards Council. Terms of appointment shall be as determined by the Stewards Council.
6. Election Committee
   1. The Stewards Council shall appoint and convene, as and when necessary, an Election Committee to conduct elections and secret ballots. The Election Committee shall be responsible for publicizing elections, taking nominations, and overseeing voting and vote counting. Officers and candidates may not sit on the Election Committee in the case of Officer elections.
7. Strike committees
   1. Strike committees shall be appointed prior to any industrial action undertaken by the GEO.
   2. The membership of a strike committee shall be declared in the motion approving the taking of such action, and shall include the members of the Coordinating Committee. Members of a strike committee are subject to recall in the same manner as an officer of the union.
   3. Strike committees shall assume executive control of such aspects of union activity, including powers delegated by this constitution to the SC and CC, as are deemed necessary for the successful operation of the action. Such powers may be enumerated in the motion appointing the committee, or may be delegated by a later motion, or by a decision of the SC or CC as appropriate.
   4. Members shall follow the directions of the strike committee in the operation of the strike.
8. Ad hoc committees may be appointed as the need arises, under such terms as the Coordinating Committee, Stewards Council or other appointing body shall determine, and the powers and duties of such body may be delegated to such committee, except where such delegation is prohibited by this constitution.

Article X: Stewards

1. Departments shall select Stewards who will coordinate organizing within departments, participate in union-wide organizing and education, and handle grievances of members within departments.
2. The Stewards Council may, from time to time, issue guidelines as to how stewards should be selected (including definition of departments and grouping as appropriate or useful) and governing departmental representation in the Stewards Council, including outlining procedures for removal of stewards where necessary. Such guidelines will be subject to approval and/or amendment at the general membership meeting following the adoption of the guidelines.
3. Guidelines for the selection of Stewards shall not infringe any Department’s right to exercise democratic control over the selection and removal, and method of selection and removal, of that Department’s Stewards.

Article XI: Contracts

1. The union may enter into a contract or other agreement covering the terms and conditions of employment of its membership, or part of its membership.
2. At such times as the union decides to enter negotiations with the University regarding a potential contract or other agreement, the union will form a bargaining team to undertake such negotiations. Members of the bargaining team will be members in good standing, and shall include at least one of the Co-Presidents, two representatives chosen by the Stewards’ Council, and one member-at-large chosen by the membership at a membership meeting. Other members may be appointed by the Coordinating Committee, subject to the approval of the Stewards Council, or be elected by the Stewards Council or the membership following a decision by that body. Additional members may be appointed by these various bodies from time to time.
3. Members of the bargaining team are subject to recall in the same manner as officers of the union. When a contract is successfully agreed and approved by the GEO membership the committee shall be dissolved.
4. Any contract or agreement negotiated by the bargaining team must be ratified by the membership in ballot as outlined in Article VI. Eligible voters shall be those members in good standing. A simple majority of votes cast by eligible members shall be required to ratify a contract or other agreement with the University.
5. The union may not negotiate, nor enter into a contract or agreement, with the University covering academic practices and policies as they relate to graduate employees in their capacity as students, salary maximums, or limitations on employees’ rights to choose the time and manner of their work.

Article XII: Work Action

1. A ballot of the membership, as outlined in Article VI, will be necessary to authorize work action.
2. Such motion will vest authority in the strike committee to initiate the action, and to suspend the work action pending a vote to end the action.
3. Work action may be ended by a simple majority of votes cast by eligible members at a meeting called for that purpose by the Strike Committee overseeing the action. Such meeting shall be called by the Strike Committee upon its own initiative or upon receipt of a petition signed by 10% of the members in good standing involved in the action. The Strike Committee need not consent to hold a meeting in response to such a petition within seven days of the start of the action, or within seven days of the last such meeting. The time and place of the meeting will be widely publicized to the membership.
4. Only members in good standing who hold current employment may vote on a motion to initiate or terminate work action.

Article XIII: Affiliation

1. The GEO shall be affiliated with the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the American Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations.
2. The treasurer shall transmit necessary membership dues to all organizations with which the GEO is affiliated.

Article XIV: Amendment

1. Any member or members seeking to amend the constitution shall present in writing a copy of the proposed amendment to a member of the Coordinating Committee no less than 10 days prior to the meeting at which they wish the amendment to be considered. The Coordinating Committee shall immediately be notified of such proposed amendment and it shall be published and placed on the agenda for the membership meeting no less than 7 days before the meeting.
2. If a majority of members attending and voting at the membership meeting vote in favor of the proposed amendment it shall be put to a ballot as outlined in article VI.

Article XV: By-laws

1. The union may write by-laws to this constitution.
2. All changes to the by-laws must be voted on at a Membership Meeting. Proposed changes to the by-laws shall be placed on the agenda for the membership meeting no less than 7 days before the meeting.
3. A simple majority of those attending the Membership Meeting shall be necessary to amend the by-laws.

Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, October 3?Responding to the state policy that prohibits state employees from voicing their political affiliations, the University of Illinois Graduate Employees? Organization (GEO) issued a statement demanding protection under the First Amendment.
-On September 18th, University staff and faculty received an email memorandum entitled ?Prohibited Political Activity.? The document explains that activities such as attending rallies or displaying a partisan button or bumper sticker on University property are off limits to state employees. Under this rule, a faculty or staff member could not use his or her off-work time to attend a political rally on campus. While on campus, he or she would also have to remove any political bumper stickers or buttons from clothing and vehicles.
In a first step to protect its constituents from unconstitutional regulation, the University of Illinois GEO proposed a written statement regarding the state policy during its October 1st general membership meeting. The present membership unanimously endorsed the statement, which condemns the state and University?s disregard for the First Amendment:
“The GEO condemns the U of I’s restrictions on its members’ speech and political activity, as expressed in a mass email from the Ethics Office on September 18. The GEO demands that the University respect and support the free speech rights of all members of the University community, including the right to participate in political activities on public University spaces, and the right to wear clothing or accessories that promote a political viewpoint or candidate.”
University President Joseph White has thus far assured the University community that the state policy will be enforced with ?common sense.? The GEO membership, however, additionally endorsed a statement authored by the American Association of University Professors that ?calls on President White to repudiate this policy and withdraw it immediately.?
For more information about the Graduate Employees? Organization, visit uigeo.org, or contact publicity director, Michael Simeone, at 217 377 0850. For further information regarding the statement issued by the AAUP, visit University Ethics and Political Campaigning

Here are some frequently asked questions that pertain to international
students. You can find more answers to questions like these on our FAQ
page. If you still have questions about the GEO or rights, contact
the geo at geo@uigeo.org or call us
at 344-8283. We’d be happy to talk with you about any concerns or questions
you may have.

Q. Do I have the same Constitutional protections as
domestic students?

A. YES, international students
have protection under the Constitution. This right has been repeatedly
upheld in the U.S. Supreme Court:

• In Yick Wo v. Hopkins, 118 U.S. 356 (1986), the Supreme
  Court held that the constitution, and in particular the 14th amendment,
  applied to all inhabitants of the U.S. who are "either permanently
  or temporarily residing in the territory of the United States."
  • 14th Amendment, Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in
    the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are
    citizens of the United States
    and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce
    any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens
    of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of
    life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny
    to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the
    laws.

• In Bridges v. California, 314 U.S. 252 (1941), the
  Supreme Court ruled that the First Amendment’s guarantees of free
  speech
  and association apply to internationals.
  • 1st Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting
    an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise
    thereof; or abridging the
    freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people
    peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for
    a redress of grievances.

Q. I’m an international student. If I join the Union,
will the University retaliate against me? Will I be in danger of losing
my assistantship or deportation?

A. No. Every international graduate student, regardless
of national origin or type of visa, has the right to join a union. Your
right to belong to a union is protected by the right to freedom of association
guaranteed in the United States Constitution. The United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights Article 20 also says that "Everyone has
the right to form and join trade unions for the protection of his (or
her) interests." The University’s own Statement
on Individual Rights from the Code of Policies and Regulations Applying
to All Students states that students "have at least the rights
and responsibilities common to all citizens." This statement is
not exclusionary of international students–it applies to all of us.
The University’s
non-discrimination statement also says that they cannot discriminate
against someone because of their "national origin."

That discrimination exists against international students,
however, is clear. This is even more of a reason that international students
should join the GEO and help fight for union recognition. Only with an
union, independent of the University administration, can you be assured
that if you are subject to discrimination by the administration that there
is a group that will stand behind you and will help to defend you.

In fact, international graduate assistants have many reasons
to join the Union and fight for representation:

• The union can provide a voice and advocacy for international
  graduate students who don’t always know the U.S. university system.
• A union can help ensure that departmental hiring practices are
  clear, open, and fair so that international graduate students don’t
  miss out on work opportunities.
• Since U.S. law prohibits international students from being paid for
  more than 20 hours per week, the need for a minimum stipend that
  guarantees a decent living standard is even more critical for them.
• Better and more affordable benefits, a fair and enforceable grievance
  procedure, higher wages, a voice in our working conditions, and respect
  as employees are things all assistants and their families deserve.

Links to other web pages about GEO’s involvement in issues
important to international students:

4/2003: Spouses of International Students Allowed to Obtain Driver’s
Licenses, Briefly

9/2002: GEO Reacts To New Policy On International Grad Employee Pay

2/2001: International
Grads Working for Justice

9/2000-12/2001: International
Graduate Assistants Docked Pay!

3/1999: University
to End In-State Tuition Benefit for Spouses of Graduate Employees

11/1998: Orchard
Downs Residents Call for Renovations to Ailing Grad Housing Units

2/1997: Fair
and Just: International Grads Support Unionization

11/1997: Orchard
Downs: Keep It Affordable for Graduate Families

General Membership Meeting Agenda

Wednesday, April 13, 2005 5-6:15pm, YMCA
Moderator: John Gergely
I. Reports
1. State of the Union (5 min)
2. Projected Goals for GEO (5 min)
3. Treasurer’s Report (5 min)
4. Dues Discussion (5 min)
II. Officer Elections
1. Nominees may speak for one minute each; time for
questions (15 min)
2. Vote during break (10 min)
III. Bargaining Issues Discussion (15 min)
IV. Proposed By-laws: Discussion and Vote
V. Open Comment

Proposed Bylaws

Bylaw 1 – Interpersonal Conflict
Interpersonal Conflict Resolution
This bylaw will provide for a method of interpersonal conflict resolution, to be binding upon union officers and staff.
Within one month from the date of passage of this bylaw, the co-presidents of the Graduate Employees’ Organization will choose three individuals to sit on a committee to draft a set of recommendations regarding interpersonal conflict resolution. The committee shall consist of: one past GEO officer who is not currently a member of the coordinating committee, one GEO member who is not currently a member of the coordinating committee, and one faculty member of the University of Illinois. These appointments must be ratified by the coordinating committee, also within one month of the passage of this bylaw.
Within three months of the ratification of the committee members, the commitee shall present a conflict resolution policy that may include, but is not limited to, recommendations regarding conflict management training, a method for mediating interpersonal conflict between officers and/or staff members, and for measures to prevent interpersonal conflicts before or after mediation.
Upon submission of this policy, the Stewards Council will have one month to either ratify, amend, or reject the policy. If the policy is amended by the Stewards Council, it must be returned to the committee for approval before ratification. In the event that the Stewards Council rejects the policy, or is unable to ratify a policy within two months of the original submission date, the remaining provisions of this bylaw shall become null and void.
Upon ratification of the policy, it shall become immediately binding on all current and future members of the GEO coordinating committee.
Within two months of adoption of the policy by the coordinating committee, the personnel committee will negotiate with the GEO staff union upon implementation of the policy in a form that will be binding upon GEO staff. Amendments to the policy as it applies to staff that arise from this negotiation must be ratified by the Stewards Council.
Bylaw 2 – Restriction on Candidate Endorsements
BY-LAW CONCERNING THE ENDORSEMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
I. The membership (“Members”) of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) may not resolve to formally endorse a candidate for public office. Public office includes a position within city, county, state, or federal government.
Bylaw 3 – Endorsement of University Candidates
BY-LAW CONCERNING THE ENDORSEMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR UNIVERSITY-
WIDE OR DEPARTMENTAL OFFICE.
II. The Stewards’ Council (SC) of the Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO)
may resolve to formally endorse a candidate for university-wide or department office. This includes, but is not limited to candidates for Board of Trustees, Student Senate, and Departmental Committees.
II. The procedure for bringing a resolution concerning the endorsement of a
candidate for university-wide or department office is as follows:
1. One or more GEO members (the “Sponsor”) must sponsor the candidate and the resolution to endorse him or her. The Sponsor begins the endorsement process by appearing before the Stewards’ Council (SC) to express this intent. The SC meeting at which the resolution is voted on must occur at least seven (7) days after the Sponsor gives notice to the SC.
2. After being notified of the Sponsor’s intent, the SC and Coordinating
Committee (CC) have a period of fourteen (14) days to request documents from and meetings with the Sponsor or the candidate.
3. Members must be informed of the resolution at least seven (7) days
prior a vote at the SC by email or other mass communication.
4. The Sponsor and the candidate may speak at the SC meeting where the vote will occur. Additionally, GEO members and the CC may inform the SC of their recommendations. Unless a roll call vote (as described in the SC bylaws) is called during the SC meeting, all members present at the SC meeting will be allowed to vote.
Bylaw 4 – Elections Committee
BYLAW CONCERNING CREATION OF AN ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
1 The Stewards Council, in line with the constitution, will appoint an elections committee consisting of a chairperson and at least two other people. Appointment will either be for a fixed term, not to exceed one year, or for the duration of a specific ballot or ballots. Reappointment will be possible.
2 Where there is a single vacancy for any office each voter will indicate a preference for a single candidate. The candidate with the most votes will be declared successful.
3 Where there are several vacancies for a single office, such as perhaps for At Large Officers, each voter will indicate a preference for the same number of candidates as there are positions vacant. The candidates with the most votes will be declared successful.
4 All ballot measures that fall under the purview of the elections committee, other than elections as outlined above, will require a response of the form YES/NO or ACCEPT/DO NOT ACCEPT.
5 The Chair of the elections committee will co-ordinate the activities of the committee and shall be the person who will announce the official results of elections to the Co-ordinating Committee and Stewards Council. Results may be announced via email.