GEO Work Stoppage Overwhelming Success

70% of T.A.s Take Part; 8,000 - 10,000 Student Affected Each Day

November 29, 2001

The first-ever GEO work stoppage is in full swing today despite the wretched weather. Pickets have encircled the targeted buildings. "The Quad is almost empty today,” said undergraduate Clay Campbell, Vice-Chair of the Graduate Affairs Committee of Illinois Student Government. “Very few students are going to classes." At 1:00 a contingent of 75 picketers made their way into (for the second time in two days) Swanlund Administration Building, where they sang a GEO Christmas Carol to Chancellor Nancy Cantor, who was on hand to hear the singing, but was disinclined to participate in the event.

Approximately 350 of the 500 TAs in the 5 target buildings ceased work during the two-day stoppage, a 70% level of participation. "This is a great turnout," said GEO Co-President Uma Pimplaskar. "For our very first work stoppage, a 70% level of participation is remarkable, and it shows, too. The Quad has been empty all day." TAs are responsible for anywhere from 20 to 90 students; some 8-10,000 students were affected each day by the 350 TAs walking out. In addition, dozens of faculty members cancelled their classes, or moved them to alternate locations to avoid crossing picket lines. "Faculty members know what we're doing is right," said GEO Communications Officer Dave Kamper. "They know a union won't raise walls between students and faculty; it will tear them down." Despite Administration claims that the work stoppage's effect was minimal, the action has been a tremendous success. "If they don't think we have a lot of support, we're happy to have it tested any time in an election," said GEO Treasurer Jennifer Shaffer.

The work stoppage will conclude with a rally tonight at 5:00 at the University Alma Mater statue. While classes will resume normally on Friday, the GEO warns that further work stoppages will occur if the Administration doesn't recognize graduate employees'. "This isn't about money; it's about justice," said GEO Co-President Kate Bullard. "The Administration may think a union isn't in our best interests, it's not their decision to make. As workers, it should be our right to choose union representation."