Are international employees covered by the contract?
Yes, subject to the same criteria that citizens must meet in order to be a part of the UIC GEO bargaining unit (e.g., must not be an hourly employee, must not be at less than 25% FTE, et cetera).
Why should I join the GEO?
As a member, you may vote in elections and on important union matters. Because the GEO is a member-run union, it is as strong as its members. That is why it is important to have as many people sign up as possible. By joining the GEO, you strengthen the union and show support for its mission to provide support to graduate employees.
As an international employee, can I join the GEO?
Absolutely you can join! If you are a graduate worker with an appointment between 25% and 67% FTE, you are covered by our contract. Sign your membership card today and include your email and phone number so that we can keep you informed and involved.
Does it cost anything to join?
GEO members pay dues in the amount of 2.2% of their monthly income. Dues are deducted automatically by payroll. These funds cover the union’s expenses, including our office space and strike fund. To put the cost of dues into perspective, GEO has raised the salary of graduate workers at UIC from $13,000 to well over $24,000. Paying your union dues is one of the best investments you can make.
I am here on an F-1 or J-1 visa; should I be worried about my visa status if I join the union?
No, you should not be worried. It is recognized by international, national, and state law that every person has the right to join a union. As such, there can be no legal ramifications for joining a union and your visa status cannot be changed because of your union membership.
Can I work off-campus if I have an F-1 visa?
It is generally very difficult to receive permission to work off-campus. International graduate employees may receive permission due to emergency financial hardship (e.g. you came to school with enough savings but due to an unforeseen circumstance, your savings are depleted and you need another job) but this instance is very rare. It’s ultimately very important that, as an international employee on campus, you are part of the GEO. By being a member, you provide strength for your union that fights for the rights of graduate employees and is made stronger by having as many members as possible. With more members standing in solidarity, the GEO can uphold the contract and ensure all graduate employees are treated properly.
What are the major issues currently affecting international employees?
A major issue affecting international employees is tuition waiver taxation. As part of the GEO contract, each GA and TA receives a tuition waiver, which means that they don’t have to pay their tuition. However, the IRS taxes GAs’ tuition waivers because they are “fringe benefits.” Because international employees pay a higher rate for out-of-state tuition, their tuition waivers are taxed more. Tuition differentials have also been a major concern. Some departments, many with a high number of international employees, require additional tuition which is not covered by the tuition waiver; the university claims that this is due to higher operating costs in these departments.
Who do I contact to get involved in GEO?
GEO is run by graduate employees just like you who volunteer their time to help make GEO a strong organization. You can:
- Become a departmental steward
- Become a member of a GEO committee
- Organize a GEO meeting in your department
And much more! Contact your department steward, or email the GEO Steering Committee at steering@uicgeo.org.
You may wish to page through this slideshow on international student rights from our parent union, the Illinois Federation of Teachers.
