HR Update

Updates
We have now passed our second month of bargaining with the graduate assistant union (GLU-UE). We are currently bargaining non-economic items. We anticipate, sometime in early 2024, we will begin bargaining economic items. 

Reminders
As a reminder, please continue to remind leaders in your campus, college, or unit not to engage in the following:

1. Unilaterally change GA terms and conditions of employment.
2. Engage in discussion with GAs regarding subjects of bargaining. 

Compensation and Appointment Letters for Incoming GAs – Fall 2024
Pertaining to compensation and appointment letters of incoming GAs for fall 2024, we have received the following questions and have included responses below. 

Q1: Can we increase salaries of new GAs for Fall 2024?

A: No. Campuses, colleges, and units shall offer the same amount as those incoming during fall 2023 but inform GA (via the language below) that we are in negotiations and this amount is subject to change. The following is language you will need to incorporate into your appointment letters:

The University is currently in collective bargaining with the graduate assistant union (GLU-UE) and compensation amounts are subject to change pending the outcomes of bargaining. 

Q2: Can we offer relocation or other funds outside of the stipend?

A: No. Under no circumstances should any campus, college, or unit begin a new compensation program or initiative. However, if the department or campus, college, or unit, has a practice of offering funds outside of stipends, they will need approval prior to continuing to do so. Please follow the process for approval below. 

Email the GA campus, college, or unit relocation or other lump sum payment plan to elr@umn.edu with the following information:

• Which department in the campus, college, or unit is offering this form of compensation to incoming GAs. 
• Which departments in the campus, college, or unit do not offer this form of compensation to incoming GAs. 
• For those that do offer this benefit, please include:
  • How many years has this been in effect,
  • Whether it is offered to every new incoming GA,
  • The amount offered and any other relevant details. 
• Supporting documentation in the way of policies, procedural documents, etc.

If you wish to meet and discuss any questions or seek clarification to the process, you can reach out to Coy Hillstead, Sr. Labor Relations Consultant (chillste@umn.edu).