The Great Graduate Standoff: University of Minnesota's Negotiation Freeze with Graduate Labor Union

In a surprising turn of events, the Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) has put negotiations on hold between the University of Minnesota and its Graduate Labor Union (GLU) as of October 11. This suspension follows over a year of discussions aimed at securing better working conditions for graduate students and has left many wondering what the future holds.

The Dispute: Who's in the Bargaining Unit?

The crux of the issue lies in a petition filed by the University with the BMS to clarify whether graduate and professional fellows, along with trainees, should be included in the Graduate Assistant Bargaining Unit. While the GLU argues that these groups ought to be part of the unit, the University counters that they do not belong.

What Happened Next?

Just a day after the University’s petition, the BMS issued a Maintenance of Status Quo order, effectively pausing all negotiations until a resolution is reached. According to University spokesperson Jake Ricker, mediation will only recommence once the BMS completes its review and issues a decision.

Understanding Graduate Fellowships

Graduate fellows, who are pivotal in conducting research and teaching at the University, are currently not recognized as employees. This status means they lack many protections afforded to regular University staff. The ongoing contract negotiations focus on:

• Increasing wages
• Reducing student fees
• Ensuring better workplace protections

The Minnesota Public Employment Labor Relations Act (PELRA) allows for the unionization of university student workers but excludes graduate fellows from collective bargaining units or unions.

A Shocking Development

Sam Boland, a member of GLU's bargaining committee, expressed that the University’s decision to file the petition caught them completely off guard, particularly after a year of negotiations. Boland stated, “We did not want to stop bargaining. We proposed a joint agreement to allow us to continue negotiating while the legal process unfolded.”

During a meeting prior to the filing, GLU members believed they were on the brink of a joint petition to the BMS, only to find out that the University had acted unilaterally and without prior notification.

Graduate Students’ Frustration

Graduate student Caleb Allen shared his struggles to present research at conferences, which is essential for his academic growth. Despite some financial assistance from his department, he still incurred $1,000 in credit card debt for travel expenses. “We could have had a decent contract by now,” he lamented, highlighting the financial burden faced by graduate students.

International student Chelsea Rodriguez echoed these sentiments, expressing uncertainty about when a contract might be reached. “It just means another semester of paying over $1,000 in fees,” she said, emphasizing the financial strain that many students endure.

Looking Ahead

The future of negotiations remains uncertain as the BMS reviews the University’s petition. Both graduate students and faculty members are left to ponder the implications of this suspension on their academic and financial well-being.

What do you think?

• Should graduate fellows be classified as employees and included in bargaining units?
• Is the University's decision to suspend negotiations a sign of bad faith?
• What impact might this have on the University’s reputation among prospective students?
• Are the financial burdens faced by graduate students justified in the academic environment?
• Could this situation lead to a larger movement for graduate student rights across the country?

Your thoughts and comments are welcome as this situation unfolds!