Hello Graduate Assistants!
This Act aims to provide collective bargaining rights to certain graduate assistants at certain public institutions of higher education. UMBC GSA and GAAC have analyzed and summarized the main points to illuminate the potential drawbacks for UMBC GAs, if it is passed.
Summary
1. After unionization, GAs would be considered university employees, which could subsequently lead to increases in healthcare premiums, additional fees and the loss of our FICA tax exemption (higher deductions from our paychecks).
2. Currently, the well-being of GAs is a priority of The Graduate School and our relationship has been functioning well through the Meet and Confer process. Jeopardizing this current relationship between the graduate student governing bodies and university administration may be a cause to worry.
