Re: grad student unions

[boddhisatva <kbevans@xxxxxxxxx>]

                Mr. Alexander,


        Strike (or threaten to strike) early and often.  The Teamsters in NY
are said to have gotten a good contract with MetroNorth transit because they
would set apparently "soft" deadlines and then hit them with full, brief
strikes.  Stage walkouts the moment the other side plays a little negotiating
"hardball" gambit.  Threaten walkouts unexpectedly.  Change your position
radically in public even though you keep a constant position in negotiations.
 take a hint from the Rutgers University students - demonstrate during a
basketball game.  Shut down the game if you have to.  Refuse to leave the
court after halftime.


        Make sure that every trustee gets three personal phone calls every
time the opposition does something you don't like.


        Point out the fact that universities stress publishing over teaching
by having TA's simply go to their classes and refuse to teach.  Have TA's
give everyone in the class A's on assignments without grading them.  Make the
administration worry that you will mess with the grading system.  You don't
even have to do it, the assignment above can be a simple ungraded exercise,
just make them believe that they have lost control.  Also, make the athletes
go to class.  Call their coaches and hint that they may find their athletes
on academic probation, and not playing.   Anywhere you sense the system
requires you to give, don't.



        Finally, everyone knows that TA's work far more hours than they are
formally paid for.  Institute a time-card system and "work to regulations".
Leave projects for professors undone if they require more weekly hours than a
contract.  Don't fall for hour averaging.  That's not what the labor laws
say.  Have professors give hour estimates on projects.  Make them give you
EVERYTHING in writing and call the Labor department as soon as something goes
wrong.  Have lab workers call OSHA.  Call the state EPA to dispose of
everything even remotely toxic.  Find all asbestos, and report it.


        Give 'em hell.




        peace


                boddhisatva





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