Graduate Assistants United eNewsletter Vol. 1, No. 3, April 9, 2002 ================================================ IN THIS ISSUE: Health Insurance Survey - IMPORTANT! Spring Social Health Benefits Rally Report Minimum Stipend Grievance ================================================ **** HEALTH INSURANCE SURVEY **** GAU is still trying to bargain for health benefits for all graduate assistants at UF. But we do not have reliable data regarding the marital status, number of children, current health insurance needs, etc., of graduate assistants. So we posted a survey on the internet at http://grove.ufl.edu/~goeddeke/health.htm It is important that all graduate assistants complete this survey. Please take five minutes and complete the 24 item online survey now. SPRING SOCIAL The Spring Social event will be held this Wednesday, April 10, at 7:00 PM, at the Top, at the corner of Main Street and N. 1st. Avenue. Free food and beer. All graduate assistants are invited. HEALTH BENEFITS RALLY REPORT The Health Benefits Rally we had April 1 was a resounding success. We had a TV interview, 5 radio interviews, and favorable articles in the Alligator and Gainesville Sun. Thanks to all who participated. Links to the articles: http://www.sunone.com/EDITS/articles/2002-04-03letgoeddeke.shtml http://www.alligator.org/edit/news/issues/02-spring/020402/b01rally2.html MINIMUM STIPEND GRIEVANCE Unfortunately, our minimum stipend grievance was denied at Step 3. We are disappointed we were denied the grievance, but are encouraged because we feel the arguments used to deny the grievance are very weak. At this point, our only recourse is to take the grievance to arbitration. The Grievance Committee at UFF is reviewing the matter now, and will make the decision whether or not to take the grievance to arbitration. Stay tuned. ----------------------------------------------------------- You are being sent this email because Graduate Assistants United represents you in University employment matters. If you would like to be removed from this eNewsletter list, please respond to this email with the word "REMOVE" in the subject line. If you would like to be added to the list, send an email to goeddeke@ufl.edu -----------------------------------------------------------