Hi GEO members and allies,

Some very quick updates.

A Call to Action

UMass Unions United drafted a letter to go to UMass President Marty Meehan and Governor Baker demanding leadership on health, safety, and safe staffing levels. Sign on and send the email by clicking this link--fight for better safety and leadership at the UMass system. 

Comments on Research 

We spoke to university management earlier today on how research will continue. The impression--is that it is on a PI to PI basis. If you have any questions, or your PI has been unclear, or you think your PI has deemed too many graduate employees as "essential", please get in touch with us at geo@umb.edu ASAP. 

Going Forward

We have a tentative schedule for updates, smaller asks, and community activities starting next week. Watch this space. We'll be in touch. (On top of virtual office hours, we're considering GEO-virtual-happy-hours... some time where we can hang out on a virtual call and relax, as much as we can bring ourselves to do so. It's easier with company.)

The Open Letter

We, along with the other UMass Boston unions, drafted an open letter in response to Interim Chancellor Newman's communication from March 18. We found, and heard from membership, that the email was stressful, insulting, and demoralizing. We decided to reply. Read the open letter here.

Keep in touch.

In Solidarity,
Warren, Chris, Kathy, Drew, Katsy, and the entire GEO

ps. You can email us for any reason at geo@umb.edu or UAW1596@aol.com. If for any reason you wish to reach out to us individually, you can reach Warren at whinckle@gmail.com, Chris at Christopher.Whyna001@umb.edu, Kathy at kmelsh@aol.com, Drew at drewbevis@gmail.com, or Katsy at katsyris.riveraki001@umb.edu.