BY LAURA MARKWARDT
Graduate workers with COGS at the University of Iowa are struggling for a fair contract in the midst of state legislation against working people in the public sector. COGS celebrated their 20th Anniversary last year, and the gains they’ve made for graduate employees and students over this time are being quickly erased.
Today, COGS holds an action at the University of Iowa President’s office at 12 noon CST. Please join in supporting them by making a call! At the same time, members are voting whether to accept the bargaining proposal.
Graduate students and union sisters and brothers across the country are asked not just to stand in solidarity with folks in Iowa but to make a phone call to the President’s office during their protest TODAY, Tuesday, February 28th at 12 noon. Here is the phone number and a draft script.
Call 319-335-3549
Hi, I’m [—]. I would like to speak with President Bruce Harreld about taking a public stand in support of the graduate workers, faculty, and their struggle for a fair contract.
The Board of Regents has chosen to go beyond their legal restrictions and destroy COGS’ contract. Universities cannot thrive without highly qualified and motivated graduate students. Destroying working conditions will make it nearly impossible for the University of Iowa to retain and attract highly qualified employees and will negatively impact the research generated by the University, among countless other things.
I strongly urge you to speak out in support of COGS, graduate workers and faculty who work hard and contribute so much to the university and quality education in the state.
Also, share messages of solidarity with @cogsuiowawheel #1u
It should be noted that even when politicians violate the rights of workers by destroying the right to bargain, it is still the decision of the Board and the administrators to go along with such policies. Administrators are still perfectly to informally negotiate (it’s called a discussion) other issues with union representatives, they’re just no longer legally obligated to negotiate in good faith. So the decision to go along with this attack on the right of unions is also the fault of the administration, beyond the issue of deciding to destroy the contract.