Contract Bargaining

As part of our agreement with the University we are entitled to enter negotiations with UMass Lowell Administrators to improve student benefits, protections, and general well-being. This process results in the writing of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): a legal contract between the union and University agreeing to terms negotiated over the bargaining process.

The general process of Collective Bargaining is outlined below:

1. GEO Leadership will send a general survey to all members asking what members would like to be addressed during the bargaining process. Some examples include stipend increases, dental/vision insurance assistance, stronger language protecting students during their TA/RA activities etc.

2. Based on the responses received from students, GEO Leadership will draft a Bargaining Proposal to present to the administration. This proposal will be written to best represent all issues/concerns raised during the survey collection process.

3. GEO Leadership will then enter into bargaining with designated members of the University to present our proposal and negotiate terms to address as many proposed changes as possible. Meetings occur at 2-3 week intervals with GEO presenting our proposal, the University presenting a Counter Proposal, GEO presenting an updated Proposal, and so on until both sides are in agreement about the final terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

4. The final CBA will then be presented to the union membership who will vote to accept or reject the terms outlined in the final proposal:

   • If the proposal is accepted, the changes outlined in the agreement will take effect as soon as any final details are finalized

   • If the proposal is rejected, GEO Leadership will return to the bargaining table with University administrators for further bargaining until a new proposal is written

Bargaining is our best opportunity to show our collective power and fight for our demands!