March 2026 - CGE Newsletter - lists.cge6069.org

Steward elections and board of trustees app closing today! And Fellows' Union cards submitted!
by Serena Frazee 20 Mar '26

20 Mar '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - We need your help to bring your healthcare providers in-network. Please share a list of providers you would like to bring in-network in this brief, anonymous survey <https://forms.gle/WZn9Dz528QZsJUxV6>. The survey also includes the option to provide more detailed information about your healthcare providers (both in-network and out-of-network with Cigna). This information will help provide further context for your bargaining team, and be part of creating a list of recommended providers for new grad workers and others looking for healthcare. - *Steward elections close 5 pm **tonight!* Members should check their emails for a link to vote for the stewards for their department. Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. - *Board of Trustees graduate seat applications close today too!* Do you want grad students to have a say in the financial governance of OSU? Link to apply <https://beav.es/pNK>. - *Tax help through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), through Tax Day (April 15th)* Grads can get help with taxes through the VITA program at OSU. Bring any tax forms, a photo ID, and passport or SSN card and volunteers will work with you to file your taxes. Grads have reported a quick and simple process and higher than usual tax returns. Book an appointment here <https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a9scfAEOs98cNrU>. - *PCC workers are still on strike!* Support PCC workers through spreading the word, signing letters of support ( here <https://pccfce.org/sign-our-solidarity-letter/?link_id=1&can_id=2e76289722f…> and here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3f…>), joining them on the picket line, or donating food or to their strike fund (more info here <https://www.pccstrike.com/community-support>). Announcements - *Fellows' Union authorization cards submitted!* After months of hard work, the card check for formation of the Coalition of Graduate Fellows is done! The authorization cards, signed by 59% of fellows, were submitted this week to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB). With the support of the majority of fellows, this is a strong step towards increasing workplace protections for fellows. In the coming months OSU will have to provide information to the ERB, and the ERB will assess whether Fellows' are workers with shared interests, which would make them eligible to form a union. We are confident ERB will find that is the case, just as they did when GRAs were included in CGE years ago. Keep an eye out for ways to support the campaign through the next steps of the process. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get here! *Upcoming Events* - *No Kings Protest, March 28th, starting at 12 at OSU then marching to the Benton County Courthouse* More information here <https://uucorvallis.org/help-with-the-no-kings-iii-protest-3-28/>. - *SEIU503 Local 83 Classified Staff at OSU, Bargaining Rally, 12:00-1:00 Tuesday, March 31 at the MU Quad* SEIU503 local 83 are the workers that keep operations running at OSU, from the administrative staff, food service workers, custodians, IT professionals, and many others. Come out to the rally, wear purple, and show support for these vital employees as they bargain for a fair contract! You can sign up for the rally and learn more here <https://www.local083.org/events/2026-03-31-Rally-at-OSU.html>. *Committees and Caucuses that need your help* Grad workers are capable and passionate people who can together exercise great power. One of the ways we do that is through caucuses and committees. All meetings are at WestM unless otherwise stated. *Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus*: Wednesday 2-3pm on zoom. Reach out to vp_membership(a)cge6069.org for the zoom link. *Grievance Committee: *A great opportunity for people to learn more about the contract and how we defend it. Meets Fridays at 4pm. Email vp_grievances(a)cge6069.org for more information. *International Caucus: *The CGE International Caucus is open to all graduate students regardless of CGE membership status and serves to represent the concerns of all international students at Oregon State University. The International Graduate Caucus recognizes that international graduate students attending OSU have unique needs and difficulties in comparison to US students. Reach out to president(a)cge6069.org. *Environmental Justice Caucus:* Every other Monday 1pm at the Biere Library. Reach out to vp_politics(a)cge6069.org. Happy Spring Break everyone! In solidarity, Serena Frazee (she/her) VP for Communications, Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069 PhD Student in Integrative Biology, Oregon State University

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Tax help, finance committee meeting, board of trustees seat, and PCC strike
by Serena Frazee 13 Mar '26

13 Mar '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - *Fellows: Sign to support Fellows' Union Now!* Fellows at OSU are organizing to be recognized as a sublocal of CGE. This will allow Fellows to negotiate a contract for their rights, while uniting all grad workers to support each other and share resources. We are conducting a card counting campaign, the legal process to get union recognition in the State of Oregon. Fellows use this link <https://cge6069.knack.com/cge#fellows/> to sign your card in support! - We need your help to bring your healthcare providers in-network. Please share a list of providers you would like to bring in-network in this brief, anonymous survey <https://forms.gle/WZn9Dz528QZsJUxV6>. The survey also includes the option to provide more detailed information about your healthcare providers (both in-network and out-of-network with Cigna). This information will help provide further context for your bargaining team, and be part of creating a list of recommended providers for new grad workers and others looking for healthcare. - *Steward elections open for voting, now until 5 pm Friday March 20th* Members should check their emails for a link to vote for the stewards for their department. Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. - *Tax help through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), through Tax Day (April 15th)* Grads can get help with taxes through the VITA program at OSU. Bring any tax forms, a photo ID, and passport or SSN card and volunteers will work with you to file your taxes. Grads have reported a quick and simple process and higher than usual tax returns. Book an appointment here <https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a9scfAEOs98cNrU>. - *PCC workers are on Strike!* Two unions from Portland Community College, PCCFFAP (Full- & Part -time Faculty and Academic Professionals) and PCCFCE (Federation of Classified Employees) are on strike. Currently, PCC's management is only offering a 0.5% COLA (cost-of-living-adjustment). Considering the fact that inflation is 2.7%, this amounts to a pay cut. Support PCC workers through spreading the word, signing letters of support (here <https://pccfce.org/sign-our-solidarity-letter/?link_id=1&can_id=2e76289722f…> and here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3f…>), joining them on the picket line, or donating food or to their strike fund (more info here <https://www.pccstrike.com/community-support>). Announcements - *Finance Committee Meeting **next Wednesday, March 18th, at 10 am in the CGE office (with donuts!)* The Finance Committee is made up of members who come together for the important work of setting CGE's budget for the next fiscal year. All members should have a say in how CGE allocates finances, as our union's finances are also our finances. If you're interested in where your dues go, having a say in the finances of CGE, and gaining experience with financial planning, then this meeting is for you!* Come eat donuts and review some spreadsheets! *If you are interested but can't make the meeting, or have any questions please reach out to treasurer(a)cge6069.org. - *Open graduate student seat on the Board of Trustees* Do you want grad students to have a say in the financial governance of OSU? CGE and the student government are seeking applicants for the Graduate Seat on the Board of Trustees! Application open until March 20th. Link to apply <https://beav.es/pNK>. *Upcoming Events* - *No Kings Protest, March 28th, starting at 12 at OSU then marching to the Benton County Courthouse* More information here <https://uucorvallis.org/help-with-the-no-kings-iii-protest-3-28/>. - *SEIU503 Local 83 Classified Staff at OSU, Bargaining Rally, 12:00-1:00 Tuesday, March 31 at the MU Quad* SEIU503 local 83 are the workers that keep operations running at OSU, from the administrative staff, food service workers, custodians, IT professionals, and many others. Come out to the rally, wear purple, and show support for these vital employees as they bargain for a fair contract! You can sign up for the rally and learn more here <https://www.local083.org/events/2026-03-31-Rally-at-OSU.html>. *Committees and Caucuses that need your help* Grad workers are capable and passionate people who can together exercise great power. One of the ways we do that is through caucuses and committees. All meetings are at WestM unless otherwise stated. *Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus*: Wednesday 2-3pm on zoom. Reach out to vp_membership(a)cge6069.org for the zoom link. *Grievance Committee: *A great opportunity for people to learn more about the contract and how we defend it. Meets Fridays at 4pm. Email vp_grievances(a)cge6069.org for more information. *International Caucus: *The CGE International Caucus is open to all graduate students regardless of CGE membership status and serves to represent the concerns of all international students at Oregon State University. The International Graduate Caucus recognizes that international graduate students attending OSU have unique needs and difficulties in comparison to US students. Reach out to president(a)cge6069.org. *Environmental Justice Caucus:* Every other Monday 1pm at the Biere Library. Reach out to vp_politics(a)cge6069.org. In solidarity, Serena Frazee (she/her) VP for Communications, Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069 PhD Student in Integrative Biology, Oregon State University

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Steward elections open, MOI position applications, PCC strike solidarity, and more
by Serena Frazee 06 Mar '26

06 Mar '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - *Fellows: Sign to support Fellows' Union Now!* Fellows at OSU are organizing to be recognized as a sublocal of CGE. This will allow Fellows to negotiate a contract for their rights, while uniting all grad workers to support each other and share resources. We are conducting a card counting campaign, the legal process to get union recognition in the State of Oregon. Fellows use this link <https://cge6069.knack.com/cge#fellows/> to sign your card in support! - We need your help to bring your healthcare providers in-network. Please share a list of providers you would like to bring in-network in this brief, anonymous survey <https://forms.gle/WZn9Dz528QZsJUxV6>. The survey also includes the option to provide more detailed information about your healthcare providers (both in-network and out-of-network with Cigna). This information will help provide further context for your bargaining team, and be part of creating a list of recommended providers for new grad workers and others looking for healthcare. Announcements - *Steward elections open for voting, now until 5 pm Friday March 20th* Members should check their emails for a link to vote for the stewards for their department. Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. - *MOI positions applications open through March 11* Applications for AFT-Oregons Member Organizing Institute (MOI) are open! MOI is a 3 month paid training program that teaches organizing skills through real-world experience in concert with staff and local leaders. It pays 25$/hour for a maximum of 10 hours a week. Reach out to solidarity(a)cge6069.org asap to indicate your interest and get the application materials. - *PCC strike begins March 11th* Both union at Portland Community College, Portland Community College Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals (PCCFFAP) and Portland Community College Federation of Classified Employees (PCCFCE), may be forced to go on strike starting March 11th if PCC doesn't move on their COLA (cost of living adjustment) offer, which is extremely low at only .35%. These are educators like us, who work hard and deserve a COLA that keeps up with inflation. We can support them through attending their upcoming rally on March 7th and contributing to their strike fund. <https://pccffap.org/resources/pccffap-strike-fund/> *Upcoming Events* - *Rally for the Future of PCC, March 7th* Saturday March 7th @ 1:00 PM, Terry Schrunk Plaza, 431 SW Madison St, Portland, OR 97204 - *Stop the War on Iran Day of Action, March 7th 12pm, Benton County Courthouse* *Committees and Caucuses that need your help* Grad workers are capable and passionate people who can together exercise great power. One of the ways we do that is through caucuses and committees. All meetings are at WestM unless otherwise stated. *Disability Justice and Mental Health Super Caucus*: Wednesday 2-3pm on zoom. Reach out to vp_membership(a)cge6069.org for the zoom link. *Grievance Committee: *A great opportunity for people to learn more about the contract and how we defend it. Meets Fridays at 4pm. Email vp_grievances(a)cge6069.org for more information. *International Caucus: *The CGE International Caucus is open to all graduate students regardless of CGE membership status and serves to represent the concerns of all international students at Oregon State University. The International Graduate Caucus recognizes that international graduate students attending OSU have unique needs and difficulties in comparison to US students. Reach out to president(a)cge6069.org. *Environmental Justice Caucus:* Every other Monday (not next Monday!), 1pm at the Biere Library. Reach out to vp_politics(a)cge6069.org. In solidarity, Serena Frazee (she/her) VP for Communications, Coalition of Graduate Employees, AFT Local 6069 PhD Student in Integrative Biology, Oregon State University

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