Constitution and Bylaws Highlights

We had such great engagement on our Constitution and Bylaws last week during our all-membership meetings. GAGE members'hip input was invaluable to our Constitution and Bylaws Committee as it worked to develop our Union's structure.

Highlights of Our Constitution and Bylaws

In the Constitution:

  • Objectives of the Union: Organize graduate employees, collective bargaining, improve the standard of education, and cooperate with other segments of our society/other labor unions toward the achievement of the common good.

  • Structure of the Executive Council: 5 Officers (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Grievance Officer) elected by the entire membership and 4 Lead Organizers elected by constituency groups.

  • Standing Committees: Bargaining/Research, Finance, Communications, Structural Equity, Elections, Grievance.

  • Decision Making: General Membership Meetings and Referenda.

 

In the Bylaws:

  • Dues for Full Members (members who hold appointments as Graduate Student Assistants): 1.75% of gross salary.

  • Dues for Associate Members (members who do not hold appointments as Graduate Student Assistants): $12 per month.

  • Structure of the Organizers’ Council: Department Organizers are members who undergo training and sign a commitment card. The intent is to have at least one Department Organizer from each department/program. Our target ratio is one Department Organizer for every ten GAGE members in the department.

GAGE membership will ratify the Constitution and Bylaws that will govern your Union for years to come. Polls will be open from 9 AM (EDT) on Wednesday, June 17, to 9 PM (EDT) on Friday, June 19. Similar to the vote to ratify our contract with Georgetown in May, the Election Committee will be sending your ballot to your non-GU email address. If you haven't been receiving GAGE emails at your non-GU email address, you should contact the Elections Committee at elections [at] wearegage.org. We will also be holding office hours at 12 noon (EDT) on Tuesday June 16 and Thursday June 18 to answer any questions you have about Constitution and Bylaws or other topics related to the Union. RSVP here!

We remind you that in order to be eligible to vote you must 1) Be a member of GAGE-AFT, 2) Currently be enrolled at Georgetown, and 3) Have worked as or will work as a Graduate Student Assistant. Constitution and Bylaws are important bases of a union - join us in voting yes!