rights and protections for grad Student workers during the covid-19 pandemic

UPDATE FOR SPRING 2022: As of December 29th, Georgetown has announced that the Spring term will begin as planned on January 12th, but all activities will be held remotely until January 30th. The Terms of the Side Agreements have been extended through May 2022, with exception for the expired “Agreement on Spring 2021 policies” and expired clause for on-campus parking.

If you think you’ve experienced something in your work that the Side Agreements might address, you should fill out a workplace issue form or contact your Lead Organizer directly. 

Before COVID-19 vaccines were available, Georgetown University Administration was inconsistent in its application of new policies, causing uncertainty and displacement for graduate workers whose lives the pandemic has already upended. Instead of accepting unfair policies, GAGE members signed petitions, attended rallies, made phone calls, and supported impact bargaining. Together we demonstrated the collective power of our union and now we have a series of COVID-19 side agreements that will guarantee the rights and protections we deserve! 

grad workers who Have Teaching Duties have the right to:

  • Proper equipment for remote teaching at the University’s expense;

    • NOTE: This is not a reimbursement process. Please contact your Lead Organizer and your department before making a purchase.

  • Receive guidance on the implementation of academic accommodations from the University’s Academic Resource Center;

Grad workers Assigned to in-person teaching duties have the right to:

  • Consult with their supervisor about the conditions in which they are required to conduct classes and to have their concerns addressed;

  • Enforce public health protocols in the classroom and close class for the day due to non-compliant students;

  • A plastic face shield, at the University’s expense.

All grad students working On campus have the right to:

  • Face masks, at the University’s expense;

  • COVID-19 tests, to be provided at the University’s expense in locations designated by the University;

  • Access to the HoyaWell mental health services.

all grad workers, regardless where they are working, have:

  • Access to individualized assistance in finding free isolation housing;

  • The right to Union protection and representation if they are disciplined under the Georgetown Community Compact;

  • Guarantee that the Georgetown Community Compact is not a liability waiver and that the University is committed to enforcing measures to prevent the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

EXPIRED

From Spring 2021 through Summer 2021, we secured parking, at no cost to the GSA, in garages on Main or Medical Campuses when in-person teaching or research is performed. As of the Fall 2021 semester, parking in campus garages has a fee. Please refer to Georgetown University’s website: transportation.georgetown.edu/driving-and-parking

The Side Agreement “Agreement on Spring 2021 Policies” regarding working remotely has expired.