Grad school vote could change everything

The Graduate Employees and Students Organization's (GESO) protests are among the most memorable images generated by Yale's recent labor strife. National media reported on the unique nature of Yale's self-styled teaching assistants union, and reknowned professors chastised Yale.

As students return to Yale expecting a number of new challenges and opportunities, the GESO and the Administration will continue the battle that divided students and faculty last year.

Following last fall's failed grade strike, Graduate School Dean Thomas Appelquist created a committee, whch reviewed GESO's proposals and recommended the creation of an assembly to allow students to become more involved in affairs directly related to the Graduate School.

This fall, however, Appelquist modified an important section of the proposal which originally stated that "changes in Graduate School policies...will only be made after discussion and agreement between the Administration, as represented by the Dean, and the Steering Committee, as authorized by the Assembly."

The new version would allow students to "discuss and comment" on changes, but not wield any policymaking power. According to Michelle Stephens, a GESO representative, GESO members feel this will do absolutely nothing to change the relationship between TAs and the Administration.

If Appelquist refuses to change his version of the Graduate School Assembly proposal, GESO members will vote against it on Oct. 9. Stephens says the organization has no definite plans right now and that the outcome of the referendum will dictate their actions this coming year.

GESO has recently filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claiming that Yale has committed unfair labor practices. Fryer says this is the unions' "standard operating procedure" and that the University is confident that the NLRB will decide in its favor.

GESO, which claims to represent approximately 600 of Yale's 2,500 graduate students, is prepared to continue pressing for a written agreement that will allow them to bargain collectively and to influence Graduate School policy.