Dear graduate faculty,
The announcement below was sent yesterday to all graduate students who meet the eligibility requirements to vote in the upcoming representation election to determine if they wish to form a collective bargaining unit and be represented by the United Auto Workers for purposes of collective bargaining. It is critically important that these students are as informed as possible about, and take part in, this election. To that end, I am asking that you actively promote awareness of and participation in this process with your students. Whether through resharing this message or directly discussing it with your students, your assistance is vital.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, or suggestions on other ways to spread this message. There are additional resources on our website including a comprehensive Q&A and the latest leadership message on the subject.
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Dear Graduate Students,
On February 28, 2024, the Vermont Labor Relations Board issued a Notice of Representation Election (pdf) setting an election for the purposes of determining whether graduate students who meet eligibility criteria wish to form a collective bargaining unit and be represented by the United Auto Workers for purposes of collective bargaining. The election is scheduled for March 26 and March 27, 2024 (from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. each day) at the Davis Center, Chikago Landing (second floor). You may review the full Notice of Election (pdf) and the Voter Eligibility List (pdf).
You have been identified as an eligible voter.
Your vote in this election will help decide whether you and your fellow graduate students who hold paid positions at the university—including academic appointments such as GTAs, GRAs, GAs, predoctoral fellows, and predoctoral trainees—will be represented by the United Auto Workers union. It is critically important that you take a few minutes to understand what this will mean for you and your fellow students, now and well into the future, and cast your vote. Information about this election process and the topic of unionization can be found on the Graduate College website.
How to secure an absentee ballot
Any eligible voter who will not be present at the time and place set for the election may secure an absentee ballot by making a written request to the Board, setting forth the reason why they will be unable to cast a ballot at the designated times. The eligible voter may email their request to Judith.Dillon@vermont.gov, or VLRB.Info@vermont.gov, or deliver it to the Vermont Labor Relations Board at 6 Baldwin Street, Suite 307, in Montpelier, Vermont 05633-6101. Ballots must be received at the Vermont Labor Relations Board no later than the close of business, 4:30 p.m., on March 25, 2024. If there are any questions concerning this absentee ballot voting procedure, eligible voters may contact the Labor Relations Board by telephone at (802) 828-2700.
You may always reach out to me or one of your faculty members if you have questions about securing an absentee ballot or what the election could mean to you.
Sincerely,
Holger Hoock, Dean
University of Vermont Graduate College