Collective bargaining is the process of negotiating a contract between an employer and a group of employees. In the case of graduate assistants, this contract would cover matters such as wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment. Effective July 1, 2001, Senate Bill 207 gave certain University employees the right to bargain for wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment through negotiations between representatives of Management (Employer) and the Union (Employees). This right does not extend to GA’s. You can learn more about the current CBB rules here .
The benefits of collective bargaining for graduate assistants include:
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Improved wages and benefits: Through collective bargaining, graduate assistants can negotiate for better wages, health insurance, and other benefits.
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Job security: A collective bargaining contract provides protection against arbitrary layoffs or other forms of job insecurity.
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A voice in the workplace: Collective bargaining allows graduate assistants to have a say in the decisions that affect their working conditions and employment.
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Legal representation: If there are disputes or disagreements, graduate assistants are represented by their union during the collective bargaining process.
The Maryland Senate will be hearing Senate Bill 823 on 3/07 at 1:00 p.m. Learn more about SB0823 here .