As we look ahead to the next semester, we are in talks with the university about extending the COVID Side Agreements that we negotiated with Georgetown last spring to protect graduate workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. By extending these side agreements, we ensure that you have access to the rights and protections necessary to complete your work without significant risk of COVID transmission or infection.

Here are a few highlights of the side agreements as we look towards the Spring 2022 semester:

Safe working conditions on campus

If you feel the University is falling short in its enforcement of public health measures on campus, you can use our Union grievance procedure to resolve these issues. Teaching assistants and instructors of record have the right to consult with their supervisor about the conditions in which they are required to conduct in-person classes. In the classroom, they have the right to enforce public health protocols - including the mask requirement - and close class due to non-compliant students.

Equipment for remote teaching

For instructors working remotely, the University will provide technology equipment as a short-term loan to graduate workers or arrange for the purchase of this equipment at no cost to the worker. If you require this technology, please get in touch with us at organizing@wearegage.org so we can help you make the request. Importantly, this is not a reimbursement process and our Emergency Assistance Fund is no longer able to cover technology purchases required for work at Georgetown, so make sure to pursue this option before making a purchase.

Isolation housing

The University will assist any graduate student who needs isolation or quarantine space due to exposure to COVID-19. If you test positive through the University-mandated COVID-19 testing protocol, you will be automatically connected with a University Care Navigator to receive assistance.

If you think you’ve experienced something in your work that our COVID side agreements might address, you should fill out a workplace issue form or contact your Lead Organizer directly.