GLU-UE Contract Negotiation

During the bargaining session on August 15 and 16, 2024, the University and GLU-UE reached tentative agreements on the following contract provisions. 

• Article 3 Definitions:  Standard Hours 
• Article 8 Nondiscrimination and Sexual Misconduct:  Section 1 Characteristics that align with University policy
• Article 8 now has tentative agreements on all sections.
• Article 23 Leaves of Absence:  Section 1 Scope of Article 
• Article 23 Leaves of Absence:  Section 11 Reinstatement After a Leave 
• Article 26 Medical Coverage:  Section 9. Notification of Coverage and Premium Changes

To date, the University and GLU-UE have reached tentative agreements on 22 of 33 articles.  The next bargaining sessions are on August 28 and 29.

Negotiations between the University and GLU-UE began in September 2023. There have been 18 two-day bargaining sessions since that time with the most recent round on August 1-2, 2024.  The University and GLU-UE have reached tentative agreements on 24 of 33 articles.

On August 2, 2024, the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical (GLU-UE) filed for a request for mediation services with the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS). Requesting BMS assistance is routine during negotiations to help participants clarify priorities and reach a final agreement.

The addition of BMS may raise questions for those unfamiliar with the negotiation process. We have begun a new Frequently Asked Questions section (found below) includes content on the BMS filing and the progress of negotiations moving forward.

The University will continue to actively participate in these important negotiations and looks forward to reaching an agreement with GLU-UE. As it has been since we began negotiations last year, our approach continues to be guided by the University’s principles for negotiations:

• Fulfilling our responsibility to serve our entire community, including graduate students throughout their educational experience, faculty, staff, and undergraduate students.
• Focusing bargaining on conditions of employment and refraining from bargaining on academic matters, which remain the purview of our faculty.
• Ensuring the University remains competitive and continues to attract top talent and external funding.
• Ensuring equity with respect to our other employees and fiscal responsibility for our stakeholders.
• Ensuring fiscal responsibility for this generation of graduate assistants, as well as future generations.

We welcome the opportunity to work with BMS and GLUE-UE to reach a fair and respectful agreement.

Negotiations between the University and GLU-UE began in September 2023. We have conducted 18 two-day bargaining sessions since that time with the most recent round in August 2024.

As this is the first contract between the University and GLU-UE, there is a wide range of proposals and counterproposals to negotiate. As of August 5, 2024, the University and the GLU-UE have reached tentative agreements on 24 of 33 articles.

The University remains committed to negotiating in good faith and reaching an agreement with GLU-UE.

About the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical 
On April 28, 2023, Graduate assistants at the University of Minnesota voted in favor of union representation by the Graduate Labor Union-United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America (GLU-UE).

Graduate students who hold graduate assistant positions in the following job codes are included in the bargaining unit. 

Additional classifications are under review to join GLU-UE but have not been confirmed.

Confirmed negotiation dates for 2024 are as follows:

• August 15 & 16
• August 28 & 29 
• September 12 & 13
• September 26 & 27 
• October 10 & 11
• October 24 & 25

As this is the first contract between the University and GLU-UE, both sides need to agree on what topics they will negotiate and then reach agreements on every topic. Subsequent contracts often take less time to negotiate as a framework has already been established through the first contract. As of August 5, 2024, the University and GLU-UE have held 18 two-day bargaining sessions since negotiations started in September 2023.

A mediator is a neutral third party who assists the parties in coming to an agreement. The State of Minnesota provides mediation services through the Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) for these situations. Requesting BMS assistance is routine during an extended negotiation period. As required by law, both sides will continue to negotiate and the BMS mediator will work to ensure both parties understand the issues and priorities while they work towards an agreement.

Yes. The University continues to actively participate in these important negotiations and looks forward to reaching an agreement with GLU-UE. Our approach continues to be guided by the University’s principles for negotiations with GLU-UE that we identified and shared in September: 

• Fulfilling our responsibility to serve our entire community, including graduate students throughout their educational experience, faculty, staff, and undergraduate students.
• Focusing bargaining on conditions of employment and refraining from bargaining on academic matters, which remain the purview of our faculty.
  
• Ensuring the University remains competitive and continues to attract top talent and external funding.
• Ensuring equity with respect to our other employees and fiscal responsibility for our stakeholders.
• Ensuring fiscal responsibility for this generation of graduate assistants, as well as future generations.

Yes. The University is committed to negotiating in good faith with all our labor unions and collaborating with our union partners for the betterment of our employees and our University.

Minnesota law requires 45 days of mediation plus a 10-day "cooling off" period before a strike can be called. The University will continue to negotiate in good faith and hopes to come to an agreement to avoid a strike. Should a strike be called, the University will share additional information and plans with students, faculty, staff, and the public.