The chant, "What do we want? A union! When do we want it? Now!" echoed throughout Old Main as members of the Graduate and Fixed Term Employee Organization rallied yesterday afternoon.
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[ Thursday, Nov. 1, 2001 ]
Students rally at Old Main
Graduates demanded a union to address working conditions.
By Erica Zarra 
Collegian Staff Writer
PHOTO: Dawn M. Smith
Graduate students rallied for the right to unionize on the steps of Old Main.
A variety of speakers addressed the nearly 100 supporters, who held signs with messages such as "Respect Yourself, Your Work, Ask For Your Rights," "Give Us A Voice" and "Ethics over Economics."
"Our working conditions are the students' learning conditions," said Dave Jansson, co-chair of the GFTEO committee, during his speech from the stairs of Old Main. "Labor policies and standards encourage dignity for all members of the university."
Jansson explained that GFTEO's three major goals are equity, dignity and accountability.
"Without our labor, this university would shut down. Our work, our teaching is vital to this institution," he said.
"Unions give you power and power commands respect," Jansson added.
Now in its third year of existence, GFTEO's platform goals are a voice for graduate and fixed-term employees, and improved health care, including full dental and eyecare.
The group also is working towards medical coverage for families, an independent grievance policy, intellectual property rights and improved working conditions, according to its newsletter.
"We want to be recognized as students as well as employees," said Asma Abbas, co-chair of the GFTEO. "We need health coverage for families."
Eva Pell, vice president for research and dean of the graduate school, explained that the proposed Penn State budget for Fall Semester, approved by the Board of Trustees, includes that spouses and children of graduate students will have health care equivalent to that of faculty and staff.
"We heard of improvements last spring," Abbas said. "We hope that it eventually happens, but a union is necessary to ensure that once in place, they stay there."
Rachel Shackelford, a graduate student in the French department, said the organization "needs a voice."
"We have to negotiate from a position of strength in order to address issues such as working conditions and improvement of the quality of education at Penn State," she said. "Rallies like this help us come together so we know we are not alone.'
Undergraduate Student Government President Justin Zartman also came out to show his support for the cause.
"I commend you for the efforts you are undertaking to make life better for everyone at Penn State," he said.
