Still have questions about CGE after your department orientation? Check out the FAQ below or contact us at unite@cge6069.org!
What is CGE? CGE is a labor union that represents and advocates for ~1,900 graduate employees at OSU. We’re democratic and volunteer-run, and we work to make OSU a better place. You have a say in what CGE works on, including being part of the bargaining process and impacting the future of all graduate employees at OSU. We’re affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, a national teaching union.
What Does CGE Do? We negotiate with OSU for contracts that set out key standards for graduate assistants including the tuition waiver, workload limits, minimum salaries, annual salary adjustments, health insurance, fee remission, an evaluation process, and a grievance procedure. We also help grads create campus-wide community by holding BBQs and other social events.
Who can join CGE? Anyone. This includes international students who have the same rights to unionization and participation in union activities as do domestic students.
Why should I join? Becoming a member of CGE demonstrates your support for the issues we advocate for: a stronger voice for graduate employees and improved wages, health insurance, and fee relief. Our strength to bargain these improvements is rooted in our membership, making joining the best way to help us achieve these goals. Moreover, becoming a member of CGE gives you a direct voice in setting priorities in bargaining and electing leaders to carry out the other day-to-day business of CGE. Joining CGE is also a great way to connect with people within and beyond your department.
I signed something as part of my appointment paperwork. Doesn’t that make me a member? Nope! Only signing a blue membership card can do that. You probably just released your salary data to CGE.
How much does it cost to be a member of the union? If you are a Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant on an appointment with OSU, 2% of your gross monthly income is automatically deducted from your paycheck and remitted to CGE. Collectively, these funds pay for the bargaining and maintenance of the contract that covers all graduate employees. If you choose not to become a member, you can request a small portion of that money back. As a non-member, you’re only required to pay Fair Share, the rate of which is set each year based on an independent audit of CGE’s finances. The Fair Share rate reflects the percentage of total expenditures that are spent on the bargaining and maintenance of the contract. In short, joining today won’t change the amount that is already deducted from your paycheck. It will mean that you forgo the ability to request a rebate for the difference between full member dues (2%) and the Fair Share rate (variable, but usually around 1.5-1.7%).
How do I join? Talk to your department steward or fill out a membership card, found at https://www.cge6069.org/about/join.
Send or bring it to the CGE office. It’s that easy. Welcome to CGE!
Where is the CGE Office? The CGE Office is located at 101 NW 23rd Street (Westminster House), in the basement.
How can I contact CGE? Phone: (541) 757-7141 or Email: unite@cge6069.org