- CGE Newsletter - lists.cge6069.org

Organizing blitz, bargaining town hall, and secretary of state events!
by Serena Frazee 17 Apr '26

17 Apr '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. - *Bargaining Priorities Survey* Our hardworking bargaining team have started preparing for the next round of bargaining, and need our input! They have made an anonymous survey ( *here* <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5jPAQI0Ft8iFSudl8AyfBvo8PexZxygZ…>) to produce a bargaining platform and contract language that meets workers needs. This is a great opportunity to help shape your working conditions*!* - *Opt-out of summer health insurance deadline, May 1st* The deadline to opt-out of summer health insurance for people in certain situations (like graduating before summer) is approaching. You can fill out the Summer Session Opt-Out form <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhr.oregon…> here, which should streamline things like getting refunds. If you have any questions please reach out to OSU grad health at gradhealth(a)oregonstate.edu. Announcements - *Organizing Blitz next week* Next week is our spring organizing blitz, where CGE stewards will be prioritizing in-person conversations in large and less represented departments. The goal is to get an understanding of the needs and work of grads in these departments and build organizing power in preparation for our upcoming bargaining cycle. You may see a few new faces walking around your buildings next week because of this, and they may even ask to chat about your work. The more folks we can talk to this week, the better position we will be in for bargaining, so if a steward visits your office next week, please take a few minutes to chat with them. If you'd like to assist stewards this week or learn how to do this type of organizing work, please stop by our trainings held Monday (4/20) and Tuesday (4/21) morning at 9AM-10AM in Westminster house. *Upcoming Events* - *Prep for the Primaries, Monday, April 20th 1:30-3pm, MU quad* Organized by the Committee for Political Engagement (COPE), with special guest Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, this will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn about the upcoming election. With snacks! - *Bargaining Town Hall, Thursday, April 23rd at 5pm at Westminster House* This will be a time to ask questions about the bargaining process, express concerns, talk about our contract and how we'd like to see it better. Plus there will be pizza. See you there! *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. *Bargaining Team:* *Like everything else CGE does, the impact bargaining team is made up of members - that’s you!* If you are concerned about the change in our health care from PacificSource to Cigna and want to get involved, *please reach out to Cortney at vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org <vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org> or just come to a meeting!* There are many ways you can contribute - doing research, helping draft contract language, and/or being a negotiator. Meetings are Fridays 9:30-11 am in the Student Lounge of WestM. *Constitution and Bylaws Committee:* This committee meets to go over CGE's constitution and bylaws <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cge60…> and suggest changes to them, which members will vote on at the spring general membership meeting. This year, one of our main focuses will be on solidifying the existence of a strike fund in our constitution. If you have any ideas about other changes that need to be made to the constitution or bylaws, please join the committee! This committee will only need to meet a few times during Spring Term, so it's a pretty easy way to get involved if you've been looking for a place to get plugged in. If you're interested you can either email me (president(a)cge6069.org) *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. 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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Bargaining preparation
by Serena Frazee 10 Apr '26

10 Apr '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Hope you are all enjoying the weather!* *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. - *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>. Announcements - *Preparing for bargaining* Our next contract will go into effect in 2028, which may feel like the distant future, but bargaining is a time consuming process. Negotiations will likely begin in March of 2027. Our hardworking bargaining team have started preparing, and need our input. They have made an anonymous survey (h ere <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5jPAQI0Ft8iFSudl8AyfBvo8PexZxygZ…>) the produce a bargaining platform and contract language that meets workers needs. This is a low effort opportunity to help shape your working conditions*. *Additionally, there will be a Bargaining Town Hall event (see below)! *Upcoming Events* - *Bargaining Town Hall, Thursday, April 23rd at 5pm at Westminster House* This will be a time to ask questions about the bargaining process, express concerns, talk about our contract and how we'd like to see it better. Plus there will be pizza. See you there! - *April 20th Secretary of State Party* The Oregon Secretary of State will be on campus. Keep an eye out for more info! *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. **Updates for Spring term** *Bargaining Team:* *Like everything else CGE does, the impact bargaining team is made up of members - that’s you!* If you are concerned about the change in our health care from PacificSource to Cigna and want to get involved, *please reach out to Cortney at vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org <vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org> or just come to a meeting!* There are many ways you can contribute - doing research, helping draft contract language, and/or being a negotiator. Meetings are Fridays 9:30-11 am in the Student Lounge of WestM. *Constitution and Bylaws Committee:* This committee meets to go over CGE's constitution and bylaws <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cge60…> and suggest changes to them, which members will vote on at the spring general membership meeting. This year, one of our main focuses will be on solidifying the existence of a strike fund in our constitution. If you have any ideas about other changes that need to be made to the constitution or bylaws, please join the committee! This committee will only need to meet a few times during Spring Term, so it's a pretty easy way to get involved if you've been looking for a place to get plugged in. If you're interested you can either email me (president(a)cge6069.org) *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. 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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Fellows' Union update, PCC strike is over, and Spring engagement opportunities!
by Serena Frazee 03 Apr '26

03 Apr '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. - *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>. Announcements - *Fellows' Union update* OSU has objected to the Fellows' Union authorization process by claiming that fellows aren't employees. This is not surprising, as they claimed the same thing about graduate research assistants before they were included in the bargaining unit. They were wrong then, as the Employment Relations Board found, and they are wrong now. This is far from over. Fellows' do work that benefits the OSU and deserve the same protections as GTAs/GRAs. - *Congratulations to PCCFCE and PCCFFAP!* After weeks of strike both units of workers at Portland Community College have reached tentative agreements on their contracts! These workers fought hard for what they deserved: they organized, they united on picket line, they held fast in bargaining, and it worked. Before the strike PCC was offering cost-of-living-adjustment of 0.25%, and these folks won 2-3%. Before the strike PCC was refusing any back-pay, after the strike the workers received lump-sum payments in the range of thousands. This is reminder of the power we have when we come together. *Upcoming Events* - *April 20th Secretary of State Party* The Oregon Secretary of State will be on campus. Keep an eye out for more info! *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. **Updates for Spring term** *Bargaining Team:* *Like everything else CGE does, the impact bargaining team is made up of members - that’s you!* If you are concerned about the change in our health care from PacificSource to Cigna and want to get involved, *please reach out to Cortney at vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org <vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org> or just come to a meeting!* There are many ways you can contribute - doing research, helping draft contract language, and/or being a negotiator. Meetings are Fridays 9:30-11 am in the Student Lounge of WestM. *Constitution and Bylaws Committee:* This committee meets to go over CGE's constitution and bylaws <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cge60…> and suggest changes to them, which members will vote on at the spring general membership meeting. This year, one of our main focuses will be on solidifying the existence of a strike fund in our constitution. If you have any ideas about other changes that need to be made to the constitution or bylaws, please join the committee! This committee will only need to meet a few times during Spring Term, so it's a pretty easy way to get involved if you've been looking for a place to get plugged in. If you're interested you can either email me (president(a)cge6069.org) *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. Hope you are all having a good first week of term! 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 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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Protect funding for public education, health providers survey, and trash pickup event!
by Serena Frazee 20 Feb '26

20 Feb '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. - *Sign pledge in support of Portland Community College faculty * Part-Time Faculty, Full-Time Faculty, and Academic Professionals at Portland Community College (PCCFFAP) have declared impasse on their contract negotiations after being offered a cost of living adjustment equal only to a $3.50 increase for every thousand earned. Sign to support the hardworking faculty at PCCFFAP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3f…> . - *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! - *Steward nominations open though March 2nd 5pm* Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. There is no experience needed, just a commitment to supporting your coworkers! You can nominate yourself or others here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqP2zMOU74t8NB5_rDf0ZCgsoi5O7P3pv…> . Announcements - *Good news and further action on Fight for our Future* The Federal Disconnect bill (SB 1507), which would address Oregon's budget crisis through pulling from reserves and closing tax loopholes, has passed the Senate. This brings us closer protecting the state budget without cutting funding for K-12, higher education, and other important services. Thanks is owed to the hard work of many, including members of CGE who have provided testimony about how proposed budget cuts would impact us and our students. However, this isn't over, as the bill now passes to the House. In order to protect public universities like ours, we must show that we care. Some easy actions to take: - Email Governor Kotek to urge her to take action and prevent cuts with PSU-AAUP's letter action <https://actionnetwork.org/letters/gov-koteks-response-to-oregons-higher-ed-…> . - Find and email your lawmakers <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XsgVjW7QA7OSmjnMmxCgbqnLWhDoJGsyAfYM1bn…> about the importance of protecting education funding to prevent more layoffs and cuts. *Upcoming Events* - *Please join our Environmental Justice Caucus this Saturday 2/21 from 10am-12pm at Shawala Point for a Trash Pick Up Event!* We will be walking along the area picking up trash but also advocating for environmental justice in our collective efforts. It feels more important than ever to foster our sense of community and actively promote justice in any way we can. Gloves and trash bags will be provided, so come alone or bring your friends-- all are welcome! Please also help us spread the word. - *Fellows' Town hall, March 5th, 4-5pm at WestM* This town hall will be a chance for all Fellows to come together and discuss the Fellow's Union. Bring your ideas, priorities, and questions! *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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Fellows' Union, Craft Night, Steward nominations, and Fight for our Future!
by Serena Frazee 13 Feb '26

13 Feb '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - *Sign pledge in support of Portland Community College faculty * Part-Time Faculty, Full-Time Faculty, and Academic Professionals at Portland Community College (PCCFFAP) have declared impasse on their contract negotiations after being offered a cost of living adjustment equal only to a $3.50 increase for every thousand earned. Sign to support the hardworking faculty at PCCFFAP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3f…> . Announcements - *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. Sign your card by reaching out to solidarity(a)cge6069.org. OSU has not considered Fellows employees so they are not included in our bargaining unit. This means that the benefits Fellows receive, are not guaranteed by a contract and could be lost at any time, including with incoming budget cuts. Fellows deserve a say in their own workplace and protected workplace rights. Union recognition for Fellows is possible, it has happened at other universities, and CGE went through a similar process in 2007 to get Graduate Research Assistants included in the union. But we need you! Talk to your coworkers, and encourage Fellows to come to the upcoming town hall on March 5th (more below). - *Steward nominations are open* Steward nominations for each department are open from now until through March 2nd 5pm. Stewards support workers in their department and make sure they are represented in CGE. There is no experience needed, just a commitment to supporting your coworkers! You can nominate yourself or others here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfqP2zMOU74t8NB5_rDf0ZCgsoi5O7P3pv…>. It is especially important to get nominations for department that don't currently have any stewards. If you want more information reach out to vp_organizing(a)cge6069.org. - *Call for brewers: beer, wine, kombucha, more!* Planning for the annual CGE Brew off has started. Brew off centers around on contest of home brews (of all kinds) and is also a very good party. Brew off will be in the summer, but now is the time to get brewing! *Upcoming Events* - *Craft and Study Night, February 17th, 4-6pm in the WestM student lounge* Join CGE Disability Justice & Mental Health Caucus for a cozy evening! - *Fellows' Town hall, March 5th, 4-5pm at WestM* This town hall will be a chance for all Fellows to come together and discuss the Fellow's Union. Bring your ideas, priorities, and questions! - *Upcoming actions you can take to support disconnecting the Oregon tax code from the federal tax code to ensure future state education funding* - *Wednesday, February 18th, 3-5pm* *Provide written Testimony for SB 1507* *Here is an **SB 1507 Testimony Submission Form <https://secure.ngpvan.com/f-cN9A-NkkembDc1Y_4djw2>* that leaders on this email can use, and *share with your locals,* ahead of the House Committee on Revenue Public Hearing! We need to have as much testimony prepared and ready to submit so we can come in hot as soon as the testimony link is live! Fill this out, and the coalition will submit it onto the record ASAP. *Verbal (In-Person or Online) Testimony for SB 1507* *We need to "pack the room" in Salem as much as we can. *Speak to the need to pass this bill and prevent the very worst of budget cuts to early learning, K12, and Oregon's higher education system. RSVP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOwqzpuznEj9DiIrPFKLB0a9wSrIo_85K…> . *Email your Elected Lawmaker* *You can use this *new coalition link <https://secure.ngpvan.com/YxVIQPodWkmHVEv27y8C7g2?emci=4c1eca6d-8307-f111-8…> to send an email, or use AFT-Oregon's toolkit <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XsgVjW7QA7OSmjnMmxCgbqnLWhDoJGsyAfYM1bn…> to send a tailored email that is sure to pass by any spam filter a lawmaker might use. Both are good to use or share - both have an impact - we win through a *volume* of actions! *Phone-bank For Our Future** - February 19th at 6pm * *The Oregon Working Families Party is supporting AFT-Oregon members and the Fight For Our Future revenue coalition by organizing a phone bank with us and fellow advocates to call constituents in key target districts, tell them about this issue, and 'patch-them-through' to leave voicemails to their lawmakers. This will build bottom up pressure on key targets who need the biggest push. * Register for Thursday, 2/19 at 6pm at this link <https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/3lS--l7YRp6VJpzAM7s6CA>" *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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Bargaining updates, violence at last week's protest, support for public funding
by Serena Frazee 06 Feb '26

06 Feb '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - *Bargaining Committee (meets Wednesday 11-1pm @WestM):* *Like everything else CGE does, the impact bargaining team is made up of members - that’s you! *If you are interested in learning more about or even joining the Bargaining Committee please email vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org with a non-OSU email indicating your interest. Anyone can attend bargaining committee meetings, even if you are not a member of the team. *We are especially interested in making **sure that we have representation from masters students, international **students, humanities students, queer students, students of color, and **any other group of students who face challenges that can be addressed **through contract negotiations.* No prior experience in research/negotiations is expected or required. Announcements - *Bargaining Update* CGE's bargaining team most recently met with OSU on Friday, 1/30/2026. In this meeting: - *OSU confirmed that student health services is IN NETWORK with Cigna.* Please disregard letters stating that your provider there is out of network; student health's billing office has made a mistake with claims from October and November, and they are actively correcting those claims. OSU has refused to send an email to grads notifying us of this mistake, so be sure to spread the word about this. - *OSU also has informed us that unexpected expenses resulting from our insurance swap are within criteria to apply for their hardship fund* (Financial Impact Hardship Award - FIHA); at least two applications have already been accepted on these grounds. Their wording for eligibility criteria for the award has been changed accordingly. You can apply for it here: ( https://graduate.oregonstate.edu/awards/financial-impact-hardship-award) - *We have compiled lists of the providers that were in-network with Pacific Source that are not in network with Cigna most visited by our grads (medical, mental health, and vision). OSU has agreed to contact Cigna to try to bring them into network.* They have said they will send our list of those providers to Cigna within a week. We will learn if any of those providers do enter network with Cigna by requesting a new Cigna provider directory in the months to come. - *Our bargaining team proposed that a student health representative should be invited to the Health Insurance Advisory Council* (HIAC), a joint body that meets quarterly to discuss the university's offered health insurance plans and administration. Our intent was to loop student health in to the issues related to our insurance since many grads use them for visits. OSU was averse to this idea for unclear reasons - regardless, we have reached out to student health to see if they would be interested in sending a rep. - If you want to read about this in more detail see the attached update! - *Statement from AFT-Oregon on ICE violence on 1/31* Last Saturday members of CGE joined dozens of other unions for a peaceful rally in Portland and were met by violence. I wanted to share with you the statement from AFT-OR (our state level parent union): "In coordination with the Oregon AFL-CIO, members of AFT-Oregon and dozens of other local unions gathered for a peaceful daytime labor rally on Saturday, January 30th, at Elizabeth Caruthers Park in Portland. We marched to the ICE facility half a mile away, and were immediately met with flash bangs and chemical munitions deployment from officers on the roof. This rally was attended by thousands of workers and their families and children, some with babies, dogs, and elderly folks walking with assistive devices. This followed another incident earlier last week in Eugene, where federal agents also deployed chemical munitions against protestors. If there were any uncertainty regarding our stance on ICE in our cities, it is gone now. They inflict violence and unlawful, racially motivated detentions on our community, and have been doing so for far too long. Their conduct is shameful, and demonstrates disregard for due process, our constitutional rights, and the safety of our communities. We demand that they cease their operations in Oregon and everywhere else. We stand in solidarity with workers in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago and anywhere else where ICE is perpetuating unchecked violence. An injury to one is an injury to all. The violence perpetrated by ICE is escalating. The danger to our communities is growing. As workers, we will continue to stand up–in solidarity with our neighbors–to the bullies and undemocratic authoritarians of ICE. We will not be deterred." You can read more about this in the following news articles: https://www.opb.org/article/2026/01/31/labor-against-ice-portland-oregon-im… https://www.opb.org/article/2026/02/02/federal-officers-use-of-tear-gas-on-… - *Sign pledge in support of Portland Community College faculty * Part-Time Faculty, Full-Time Faculty, and Academic Professionals at Portland Community College (PCCFFAP) have declared impasse on their contract negotiations. They have shared the following message: "The college is currently at best offering faculty a first year of Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) at 0.35%. To put that in perspective, that’s a $3.50 increase for every *thousand* earned. Please support our union as we may have to strike at the end of term." Sign to support the hardworking faculty at PCCFFAP here <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-YV0CkGpiTXvgZRF2VThEdo56ulTYQ3f…> . - *Submit testimony to protect critical services* From Fight for our Future: "Last year, Trump signed into law $117 billion in new federal tax breaks for the richest 1% of Americans. As a result, everyone in Oregon who depends on funding for critical services - from our students and educators to patients, nurses, and first responders - could see devastating budget cuts. Lawmakers in Salem have the power to STOP Trump's tax breaks from getting copied into Oregon's state tax code, but they need to hear from US that we want them to take action." Submit testimony here <https://secure.ngpvan.com/QvgilOzUVUWqeFY8GcGU_A2>! *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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National Day of Action and Fight for our Future!
by Serena Frazee 30 Jan '26

30 Jan '26

*Dear CGE Members and Community,* *Quick Little Reminders* - *CGE hosted ICE response training* If you are interested being more informed and empowered to respond to ICE, you can attend a training by experts, hosted by CGE. Reach out to vp_ organizing(a)cge6069.org <organizer(a)cge6069.org>. - *Late winter appointment letters* Late appointment letters can be frustrating, destabilizing, and frightening. Therefore, OSU owes grads 50$ for late appointment letters. If your received your appointment letter for Winter after November 16th please reach out to vp_grievances(a)cge6069.org in the coming weeks. - *Bargaining Committee (meets Wednesday 11-1pm @WestM):* *Like everything else CGE does, the impact bargaining team is made up of members - that’s you! *If you are interested in learning more about or even joining the Bargaining Committee please email vp_bargaining(a)cge6069.org with a non-OSU email indicating your interest. Anyone can attend bargaining committee meetings, even if you are not a member of the team. *We are especially interested in making **sure that we have representation from masters students, international **students, humanities students, queer students, students of color, and **any other group of students who face challenges that can be addressed **through contract negotiations.* No prior experience in research/negotiations is expected or required. Announcements - *Thank you to everyone participating in the ICE Out National Day of Action!* Today people across the country went on strike, walked out of schools, and refrained from shopping— choosing to take action instead of going about normal life while ICE commits widespread violence. This afternoon grads brought our collective power to this movement through a walkout and rally, and I'm sure many more participated in other ways. I am proud of all of you. Before the rally we took some time to imagine the world we would like to see and the things we would have to do to get there. In a time when it can be hard to hope, it was refreshing to wildly imagine. I found myself sharing things I normally wouldn't even let myself hope for. Our VP for Solidarity Kaelan Weiss reminded us that a better world is possible, but it won't fall onto our doorsteps. We were invited to think about a sacrifice we would be willing to make in order to see our hopes come true. The history of labor unions shows us that when people come together, make sacrifices, and take risks, we can achieve change that benefits everyone. - *CGE Hardship Fund closing today!* The Hardship Fund is open to all CGE members and associate members. There are no strings attached to the hardship fund and you will never be asked to pay back any funds you receive. Information about the Hardship Fund and the link to apply can be found here <https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cge60…>. Keep in mind that the hardship fund is powered entirely by associate member and legacy member dues. OSU’s Hardship fund has more resources but is much less transparent. If you want assistance applying to OSU’s fund, email solidarity(a)cge6069.org. - *Fight for our Future: protect public education and public workers* Due to federal tax changes, Oregon's budget is in a dire state and in order to balance the books, there is the potential of severe layoffs if we do not act. Lawmakers need to hear from the people that could be impacted by these cuts, including educators like many of us. There will be opportunities to mobilize and testify February 3rd in-person or virtually against a “cuts budget” and a February 5th mass rally in Salem. Also *please **Email Your Lawmaker ASAP <https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XsgVjW7QA7OSmjnMmxCgbqnLWhDoJGsyAfYM1bn…>.* Upcoming Events - Provide testimony for Fight for our Future: Feb 3rd 5-8pm *RSVP <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScq_baqi0jl-iAT-zm98_cXlmBySrOuCjY…>* and *Testimony Toolkit <https://secure.ngpvan.com/QvgilOzUVUWqeFY8GcGU_A2>*. *Only 1-2 minutes, we need to pack the hearing to outspeak business interests!* - Associated rally: Feb 5th 12-2pm *RSVP <https://actionnetwork.org/events/fight-for-our-future-3/>* and *Resources <https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1k53bR79dnvoPdlWoQD_Nloi0HNI8jsJw?us…>* . *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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