May 2025 - CGE Newsletter - lists.cge6069.org

Rally for Backpay on June 5th + Accessibility Feedback Wanted!!
by Erika Stewart 28 May '25

28 May '25

CGE Members and Community, Important Update: OSU owes graduate employees over $17,000! We are mobilizing for justice. Last month, we submitted a grievance on behalf of every graduate employee who was employed during Fall term (at the time of ratification) and did not receive back pay from the University. The university is arguing that GEs who were not in the bargaining unit on January 10, 2025 are not eligible, thereby excluding fall term graduates or people who switched to fellowship for winter term. There are between 65-124 GEs who are owed back pay and did not receive it, totalling a collective amount of at least $17,000 (very likely more). Our grievance, which argued that the university had no authority to exclude these employees, was denied on April 25. On Friday, May 9, the Executive Council voted to move this grievance to arbitration. This means that we will have a neutral third-party judge rule on the case after a formal hearing and presentation of evidence. It may take time before we reach a resolution. In the meantime, we need you to mobilize to stand up for your fellow workers! An injury to one grad worker is an injury to all—we need to defend our contract to the fullest extent to preserve our hard-won rights. OSU continues to show us they won’t do the right thing until we stand up together. We will be rallying and picketing on June 5th from 12-2 PM in front of the Kerr Administration Building. This could easily have happened to any single one of us, and things like this will continue to happen if we don’t fight back. Important context to keep in mind: During this last bargaining cycle, OSU introduced changes to our grievance article that would prevent us from taking grievances like this to arbitration. They did not win these changes, but they pursued them well into bargaining, sending a clear signal that OSU wants to strip our ability to move these grievances to a neutral arbitrator. They will continue to come for our rights, in and outside of the bargaining cycle. What’s the source of the disagreement? According to the LOA we ratified in December, “The parties agree to apply the compensation terms retroactively to September 16, 2024 so that those graduate employees whose Fall term 2024 employment started on or after September 16, 2024 and remain employed by OSU on ratification of the agreement, shall receive the applicable salary increase(s).” We concluded our ratification vote on December 10, 2024. On December 11, 2024, striking GEs returned to work, honoring the portion of the LOA which states “Upon ratification of this agreement, graduate employees will return to their previously assigned work and will not be obligated to work over their normal contractual hours.” The University claims that “ratification” did not occur until January 10, 2025. This was the date that the last member of the OSU bargaining team signed an electronic version of the CBA. We’ve consulted our attorney, scoured our notes, and dug deep into bargaining history: there is no merit to this argument. We ratified the contract, we returned to work, and after the strike was over, OSU decided that the “ratification” meant two different things in the same article of the contract based on what suited their interests, not on what is true, logical, or fair. We need to apply pressure to remind OSU that they can’t just take away our rights. We can’t rely on OSU to do the right thing, and the arbitration timeline is out of our hands. These workers needed their pay yesterday. See you on the picket line on June 5th. ~CGE Executive Council Accessibility Feedback Wanted! The joint Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus will be meeting with the Executive Council (EC) on Friday May 30 from 9:10 AM to 9:50 AM to discuss ways of making CGE spaces and events, such as the upcoming rally, more accessible for everyone. If you have any ideas to share, you are welcome to come in person and join us for the conversation at Westminster House (EC meetings are open to all members!). Either way, please submit anonymous feedback ahead of time here <https://forms.gle/GBLiNTPWsVRqDRY2A> to help us organize and make the best use of our time at the meeting. Only members of the caucus will have access to the answers. Note, if you haven’t filled out the CGE Disability Justice Caucus Survey yet, it is still open! Take it here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QxKDlHXml3XLU9P8AWLx0VBS7UwYtDDQ_DlbNha8QM…>! This survey is about more general accessibility throughout OSU, not just in CGE spaces, and potential action items for the caucus. Thank you for your thoughts! ~Joint Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus CGE’s Annual Brew-Off is June 7th at the Odd Fellows Hall! Theme is: CASINO NIGHT! Play blackjack, poker & roulette at our One Eyed Jacks 'casino', watch live music and sing karaoke at The Roadhouse Stage, and try out the home made brews at the Bang Bang Bar. Come dressed up in your best casino night attire (or as your favorite Twin Peaks character) - there will be an Instax photo-op! Your ticket includes a Brew Off pint glass, open bar, hot food, 1 Instax photo, and a $5 chip for use at the 'casino' All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Legal Support Fund for OSU Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked (GoFundMe Link <https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-osu-students-visa-revoked-legal-funds-nee…>) & Oregon’s independent nonprofit immigration law firm - Immigration Counseling Services <https://www.ics-law.org/about> Casino Night game play: We will be 'gambling' for a good cause. Each Brew Off ticket is good for one game play at the 'casino.' However, you can buy in for more chips. Every $1 gets you $5 worth of chips. All proceeds from chip sales will go to the legal support fund and immigration counseling services. Submit your chip winnings to the cashier to receive a voucher that shows your donation 'winnings'. The link to buy tickets is live! Tickets are only $10! Buy your tickets here. <https://buytickets.at/coalitionofgraduateemployees/1673739> For Brewers: Brew Off competition: Any member can submit a brew (beer, cider, kombucha) for a chance at winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes ($150, $100, $50)! To submit a brew, please fill out this interest form! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4RpfDwjZJSIITAezJPlXECU0zsmmybm…> COMMITTEES AND CAUCUSES THAT NEED YOUR HELP: Join CGE’s Finance Committee! Help set CGE’s budget for the next fiscal year by joining the Finance Committee! This is a great opportunity to have a say in how our union allocates funds and to gain experience with budgeting and financial planning. Meetings will start in April based on the group's availability —no prior experience needed, just an interest in keeping CGE financially strong. Email treasurer(a)cge6069.org to sign up! Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings every Friday, 12-1pm, in Cordley 4329! We need more CATs! Our CATs do all of our on-the-ground work, including turnout to events, talking to members, planning actions, and so much more. You can commit as much or as little time as you have. If, since the strike, you have wanted to continue to be involved in organizing efforts, but don’t know where to start, come to a CAT meeting in Cordley 4329! Solidarity forever, Erika, VP for Communications

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Campus Coalition TODAY and Mutual Aid Party TOMORROW!
by Erika Stewart 19 May '25

19 May '25

CGE Members and Community, First Campus Coalition Meeting TODAY! 6-7:30pm at WestM! TODAY at 6-7:30pm, we are hosting our first ever Campus Coalition Meeting at Westminster House! This meeting is to connect and organize with our fellow OSU unions, UAOSU (the faculty union), SEIU (our classified staff union), and OSUSW (our undergrad workers union)! We will be discussing how we can work together and leverage our different abilities as unions to push for a better OSU for all. If you are interested in meeting fellow campus organizers or building power across campus, come join us today at 6pm Grad Student Mutual Aid Party TOMORROW! 5-8pm at WestM! TOMORROW at 5-8pm, we are hosting a mutual aid party at Westminster House! This event includes tabling and discussion groups so grads can connect with fellow workers and find helpful resources, bike fixing and clothing mending stations, a Q&A with an immigration attorney, food boxes (bring tupperware!), arts and crafts, and dinner provided! Additionally, we will not be taking any attendance for this event, so there will be no official record of any grads participating. If you need any mutual aid support, or if you want to stay connected with resources in town so you can help others, we will see you there tomorrow! Remember to Vote! Special election ballots in Benton County are due tomorrow, Tuesday May 20th, by 8pm in a ballot drop box. These special elections are largely for school boards, with other local positions and some local levies considered. This election is important for our fellow union workers because for teachers in public schools, the school board is on the opposite side of contract negotiations. In Albany, teachers went on a strike last November, and they called for the entire school board to resign during contract negotiations ( https://www.albanyteachers.org/StrikeNews) Find your local ballot drop box here: https://re.bentoncountyor.gov/elections-ballot-drop-sites/ Last week the Steward Council voted for CGE to endorse Oregon Senate Bill 916 <https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB916> which would allow workers on strike to access unemployment benefits. The bill passed the senate, but it still needs help getting through the house. Please reach out to your state rep (which for most people in Corvallis will be Rep.SarahFingerMcDonald(a)oregonlegislature.gov) here <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gp_BgB6JRmdoACPW9gEg9P8XJQl_M2glUnIOQ_F…> is an email template you can start from. CGE Committee on Political Education (COPE) meetings are every Friday 1-2pm in the CGE office. Email vp_politics(a)cge6069.org for more information about how to get involved. CGE’s Annual Brew-Off is June 7th at the Odd Fellows Hall! Theme is: CASINO NIGHT! Play blackjack, poker & roulette at our One Eyed Jacks 'casino', watch live music and sing karaoke at The Roadhouse Stage, and try out the home made brews at the Bang Bang Bar. Come dressed up in your best casino night attire (or as your favorite Twin Peaks character) - there will be an Instax photo-op! Your ticket includes a Brew Off pint glass, open bar, hot food, 1 Instax photo, and a $5 chip for use at the 'casino' All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Legal Support Fund for OSU Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked (GoFundMe Link <https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-osu-students-visa-revoked-legal-funds-nee…>) & Oregon’s independent nonprofit immigration law firm - Immigration Counseling Services <https://www.ics-law.org/about> Casino Night game play: We will be 'gambling' for a good cause. Each Brew Off ticket is good for one game play at the 'casino.' However, you can buy in for more chips. Every $1 gets you $5 worth of chips. All proceeds from chip sales will go to the legal support fund and immigration counseling services. Submit your chip winnings to the cashier to receive a voucher that shows your donation 'winnings'. The link to buy tickets is live! Tickets are only $10! Buy your tickets here. <https://buytickets.at/coalitionofgraduateemployees/1673739> For Brewers: Brew Off competition: Any member can submit a brew (beer, cider, kombucha) for a chance at winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes ($150, $100, $50)! To submit a brew, please fill out this interest form! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4RpfDwjZJSIITAezJPlXECU0zsmmybm…> COMMITTEES AND CAUCUSES THAT NEED YOUR HELP: Join CGE’s Finance Committee! Help set CGE’s budget for the next fiscal year by joining the Finance Committee! This is a great opportunity to have a say in how our union allocates funds and to gain experience with budgeting and financial planning. Meetings will start in April based on the group's availability —no prior experience needed, just an interest in keeping CGE financially strong. Email treasurer(a)cge6069.org to sign up! Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings every Friday, 12-1pm, in Cordley 4329! We need more CATs! Our CATs do all of our on-the-ground work, including turnout to events, talking to members, planning actions, and so much more. You can commit as much or as little time as you have. If, since the strike, you have wanted to continue to be involved in organizing efforts, but don’t know where to start, come to a CAT meeting in Cordley 4329! Solidarity forever, Erika, VP for Communications

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SPRING GMM THIS WEDNESDAY!
by Erika Stewart 12 May '25

12 May '25

CGE Members and Community, Our Last Spring General Membership Meeting (GMM) will be Wednesday May 14th, 1-3pm in WestM! At the GMM, we will be discussing the Executive Council Nominations for next year, as well as updates from the AFT-Oregon convention (our parent union!). GMMs are an essential part of our continued organizing, and are a great place to meet and organize with both leadership and membership outside of your department. Staying involved and staying informed is how members can keep our union strong. Join us 5/14, 1-3pm at Westminster House (101 NW 23rd St)! Lunch Provided! SANDWICH BAR!! Executive Council Nominations Close on Wednesday! Every year, membership votes in a new Executive Council that does the day-to-day organizing work that helps CGE run smoothly. Nominations for the 2025-2026 year are now open! All roles are available for nomination, and you can check out what each role entails by looking at our website here. <https://www.cge6069.org/executivecouncilstaff/> If you have the time and energy to give back to our union over the next year, or you know someone who you think would be a good fit, nominate yourself or someone else here! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4KEDyUFv3qZ3_nD8Dh5WKu614ilCqHOq…> CGE Disability Justice Caucus Survey The CGE Disability Justice Caucus is gathering anonymous information about disabled graduate students’ experiences at OSU to inform the direction of the Disability Justice Caucus. We may distribute survey results in an article, flyer, etc., and all answers will remain anonymous unless you opt in to being quoted. The survey is open to all graduate students who identify as disabled, regardless of CGE membership! Click here to take the survey! <https://forms.gle/2gHDPaHM9ndxxCuVA> CGE’s Annual Brew-Off is June 7th at the Odd Fellows Hall! Theme is: CASINO NIGHT! Play blackjack, poker & roulette at our One Eyed Jacks 'casino', watch live music and sing karaoke at The Roadhouse Stage, and try out the home made brews at the Bang Bang Bar. Come dressed up in your best casino night attire (or as your favorite Twin Peaks character) - there will be an Instax photo-op! Your ticket includes a Brew Off pint glass, open bar, hot food, 1 Instax photo, and a $5 chip for use at the 'casino' All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Legal Support Fund for OSU Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked (GoFundMe Link <https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-osu-students-visa-revoked-legal-funds-nee…>) & Oregon’s independent nonprofit immigration law firm - Immigration Counseling Services <https://www.ics-law.org/about> Casino Night game play: We will be 'gambling' for a good cause. Each Brew Off ticket is good for one game play at the 'casino.' However, you can buy in for more chips. Every $1 gets you $5 worth of chips. All proceeds from chip sales will go to the legal support fund and immigration counseling services. Submit your chip winnings to the cashier to receive a voucher that shows your donation 'winnings'. The link to buy tickets is live! Tickets are only $10! Buy your tickets here. <https://buytickets.at/coalitionofgraduateemployees/1673739> For Brewers: Brew Off competition: Any member can submit a brew (beer, cider, kombucha) for a chance at winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes ($150, $100, $50)! To submit a brew, please fill out this interest form! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4RpfDwjZJSIITAezJPlXECU0zsmmybm…> COMMITTEES AND CAUCUSES THAT NEED YOUR HELP: Join CGE’s Finance Committee! Help set CGE’s budget for the next fiscal year by joining the Finance Committee! This is a great opportunity to have a say in how our union allocates funds and to gain experience with budgeting and financial planning. Meetings will start in April based on the group's availability —no prior experience needed, just an interest in keeping CGE financially strong. Email treasurer(a)cge6069.org to sign up! Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings every Friday, 12-1pm, in Cordley 4329! We need more CATs! Our CATs do all of our on-the-ground work, including turnout to events, talking to members, planning actions, and so much more. You can commit as much or as little time as you have. If, since the strike, you have wanted to continue to be involved in organizing efforts, but don’t know where to start, come to a CAT meeting in Cordley 4329! Mental Health Caucus every Tuesday at 1pm in the WestM Student Lounge! Mental Health Caucus meetings for the Spring term will be Tuesdays at 1pm in the Westminster House Student Lounge (101 NW 23rd St)! This group aims to create a community for grads, organize campaigns around specific mental health issues, work with community groups, plan direct actions, and anything else that would help support the mental health of grads. Let our Co-VP for Membership, Vic, know if you have any questions by emailing them at vp_membership(a)cge6069.org! Caucuses (with a few exceptions) are open to members and associate members only, so let any other member you think may be interested know! Solidarity forever, Erika, VP for Communications

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Executive Council Nominations OPEN! And More!
by Erika Stewart 06 May '25

06 May '25

CGE Members and Community, Executive Council Nominations are now OPEN! Every year, membership votes in a new Executive Council that does the day-to-day organizing work that helps CGE run smoothly. Nominations for the 2025-2026 year are now open! All roles are available for nomination, and you can check out what each role entails by looking at our website here. <https://www.cge6069.org/executivecouncilstaff/> If you have the time and energy to give back to our union over the next year, or you know someone who you think would be a good fit, nominate yourself or someone else here! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4KEDyUFv3qZ3_nD8Dh5WKu614ilCqHOq…> CGE Disability Justice Caucus Survey The CGE Disability Justice Caucus is gathering anonymous information about disabled graduate students’ experiences at OSU to inform the direction of the Disability Justice Caucus. We may distribute survey results in an article, flyer, etc., and all answers will remain anonymous unless you opt in to being quoted. The survey is open to all graduate students who identify as disabled, regardless of CGE membership! Click here to take the survey! <https://forms.gle/2gHDPaHM9ndxxCuVA> CGE’s Annual Brew-Off is June 7th at the Odd Fellows Hall! Theme is: CASINO NIGHT! Play blackjack, poker & roulette at our One Eyed Jacks 'casino', watch live music and sing karaoke at The Roadhouse Stage, and try out the home made brews at the Bang Bang Bar. Come dressed up in your best casino night attire (or as your favorite Twin Peaks character) - there will be an Instax photo-op! Your ticket includes a Brew Off pint glass, open bar, hot food, 1 Instax photo, and a $5 chip for use at the 'casino' All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Legal Support Fund for OSU Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked (GoFundMe Link <https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-osu-students-visa-revoked-legal-funds-nee…>) & Oregon’s independent nonprofit immigration law firm - Immigration Counseling Services <https://www.ics-law.org/about> Casino Night game play: We will be 'gambling' for a good cause. Each Brew Off ticket is good for one game play at the 'casino.' However, you can buy in for more chips. Every $1 gets you $5 worth of chips. All proceeds from chip sales will go to the legal support fund and immigration counseling services. Submit your chip winnings to the cashier to receive a voucher that shows your donation 'winnings'. The link to buy tickets is live! Tickets are only $10! Buy your tickets here. <https://buytickets.at/coalitionofgraduateemployees/1673739> For Brewers: Brew Off competition: Any member can submit a brew (beer, cider, kombucha) for a chance at winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes ($150, $100, $50)! To submit a brew, please fill out this interest form! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4RpfDwjZJSIITAezJPlXECU0zsmmybm…> COMMITTEES AND CAUCUSES THAT NEED YOUR HELP: Join CGE’s Finance Committee! Help set CGE’s budget for the next fiscal year by joining the Finance Committee! This is a great opportunity to have a say in how our union allocates funds and to gain experience with budgeting and financial planning. Meetings will start in April based on the group's availability —no prior experience needed, just an interest in keeping CGE financially strong. Email treasurer(a)cge6069.org to sign up! Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings every Friday, 12-1pm, in Cordley 4329! We need more CATs! Our CATs do all of our on-the-ground work, including turnout to events, talking to members, planning actions, and so much more. You can commit as much or as little time as you have. If, since the strike, you have wanted to continue to be involved in organizing efforts, but don’t know where to start, come to a CAT meeting in Cordley 4329! Mental Health Caucus every Tuesday at 1pm in the WestM Student Lounge! Mental Health Caucus meetings for the Spring term will be Tuesdays at 1pm in the Westminster House Student Lounge (101 NW 23rd St)! This group aims to create a community for grads, organize campaigns around specific mental health issues, work with community groups, plan direct actions, and anything else that would help support the mental health of grads. Let our Co-VP for Membership, Vic, know if you have any questions by emailing them at vp_membership(a)cge6069.org! Caucuses (with a few exceptions) are open to members and associate members only, so let any other member you think may be interested know! Solidarity forever, Erika, VP for Communications

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CGE Disability Justice Survey and BREW OFF TICKETS!
by Erika Stewart 01 May '25

01 May '25

CGE Members and Community, CGE Disability Justice Caucus Survey The CGE Disability Justice Caucus is gathering anonymous information about disabled graduate students’ experiences at OSU to inform the direction of the Disability Justice Caucus. We may distribute survey results in an article, flyer, etc., and all answers will remain anonymous unless you opt in to being quoted. The survey is open to all graduate students who identify as disabled, regardless of CGE membership! Click here to take the survey! <https://forms.gle/2gHDPaHM9ndxxCuVA> CGE’s Annual Brew-Off is June 7th at the Odd Fellows Hall! Theme is: CASINO NIGHT! Play blackjack, poker & roulette at our One Eyed Jacks 'casino', watch live music and sing karaoke at The Roadhouse Stage, and try out the home made brews at the Bang Bang Bar. Come dressed up in your best casino night attire (or as your favorite Twin Peaks character) - there will be an Instax photo-op! Your ticket includes a Brew Off pint glass, open bar, hot food, 1 Instax photo, and a $5 chip for use at the 'casino' All ticket proceeds will be donated to the Legal Support Fund for OSU Students Whose Visas Have Been Revoked (GoFundMe Link <https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-osu-students-visa-revoked-legal-funds-nee…>) & Oregon’s independent nonprofit immigration law firm - Immigration Counseling Services <https://www.ics-law.org/about> Casino Night game play: We will be 'gambling' for a good cause. Each Brew Off ticket is good for one game play at the 'casino.' However, you can buy in for more chips. Every $1 gets you $5 worth of chips. All proceeds from chip sales will go to the legal support fund and immigration counseling services. Submit your chip winnings to the cashier to receive a voucher that shows your donation 'winnings'. The link to buy tickets is live! Tickets are only $10! Buy your tickets here. <https://buytickets.at/coalitionofgraduateemployees/1673739> For Brewers: Brew Off competition: Any member can submit a brew (beer, cider, kombucha) for a chance at winning 1st, 2nd or 3rd place cash prizes ($150, $100, $50)! To submit a brew, please fill out this interest form! <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfv4RpfDwjZJSIITAezJPlXECU0zsmmybm…> COMMITTEES AND CAUCUSES THAT NEED YOUR HELP: Join CGE’s Finance Committee! Help set CGE’s budget for the next fiscal year by joining the Finance Committee! This is a great opportunity to have a say in how our union allocates funds and to gain experience with budgeting and financial planning. Meetings will start in April based on the group's availability —no prior experience needed, just an interest in keeping CGE financially strong. Email treasurer(a)cge6069.org to sign up! Contract Action Team (CAT) Meetings every Friday, 12-1pm, in Cordley 4329! We need more CATs! Our CATs do all of our on-the-ground work, including turnout to events, talking to members, planning actions, and so much more. You can commit as much or as little time as you have. If, since the strike, you have wanted to continue to be involved in organizing efforts, but don’t know where to start, come to a CAT meeting in Cordley 4329! Mental Health Caucus every Tuesday at 1pm in the WestM Student Lounge! Mental Health Caucus meetings for the Spring term will be Tuesdays at 1pm in the Westminster House Student Lounge (101 NW 23rd St)! This group aims to create a community for grads, organize campaigns around specific mental health issues, work with community groups, plan direct actions, and anything else that would help support the mental health of grads. Let our Co-VP for Membership, Vic, know if you have any questions by emailing them at vp_membership(a)cge6069.org! Caucuses (with a few exceptions) are open to members and associate members only, so let any other member you think may be interested know! Solidarity forever, Erika, VP for Communications

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