On July 27th and 28th, 2020 GAU held a ratification referendum to formally approve our agreement on COVID-19 protections for graduate employees.
What did we win?
When the COVID-19 pandemic began in spring, GAU's Bargaining Committee determined that in the best interest of graduate employees we needed to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)—a document by which two parties can agree to binding terms--to address workplace safety and job protections.
After three and a half months of negotiations, we reached an agreement with the University Administration on an MOU, which is included at the bottom of this page. Under the agreement, GAU won significant protections for graduate employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our MOU with the University Administration we have secured:
Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, we expect new problems may arise. The MOU allows both parties to negotiate on these issues or others in the future. We encourage all graduate employees to contact GAU if you encounter employment-related issues related to COVID-19.
After three and a half months of negotiations, we reached an agreement with the University Administration on an MOU, which is included at the bottom of this page. Under the agreement, GAU won significant protections for graduate employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In our MOU with the University Administration we have secured:
- Prevention of terminations, non-reappointments, or negative performance reviews of graduate employees whose unsatisfactory academic progress is directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic;
- The waiver of distance learning fees for research credit registrations; and
- Emergency paid sick leave as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic, we expect new problems may arise. The MOU allows both parties to negotiate on these issues or others in the future. We encourage all graduate employees to contact GAU if you encounter employment-related issues related to COVID-19.
What Happens Next?
GAU will hold a ratification referendum, and if a simple majority of those voting select "Yes," the MOU will be agreed to and implemented.
Who Can Vote?
ALL GRADUATE EMPLOYEES, regardless of GAU membership, are eligible to vote and encouraged to do so.
When is Ratification?
The ratification will be held from 12:00AM (EDT) on Monday, July 27th to 11:59PM (EDT) on Tuesday, July 28th.
How do I Vote?
Voting will be conducted virtually via Helios, which provides encrypted and verifiable online elections. Your ballot is anonymous. Details on how to vote will be sent to you GatorLink email account.
Voting Results
Should the 2020 tentative Memorandum of Understanding between UF-GAU and the University of Florida be ratified?
Yes: 284
No: 4
Status: Memorandum of understanding ratified. Results can be verified on Helios with the voter ID and password used to initially cast your ballot. A public tallying of ballots is available on YouTube.
Yes: 284
No: 4
Status: Memorandum of understanding ratified. Results can be verified on Helios with the voter ID and password used to initially cast your ballot. A public tallying of ballots is available on YouTube.
The MOU
Joining GAU and becoming a dues-paying member goes a long way towards helping you and your fellow graduate employees win rights and benefits. But in order to take full advantage of our membership’s strength, GAU needs you to get involved!
