Presidential Ponderings Letter from the President of the Union Presidential Ponderings

TAU President David Zwart

The pace of things is really picking up for the TAU. We have proposed all articles of the contract and the administration has made a few counter-proposals. The real work and benefit of the union is in front of us.

One of the main reasons for having a union is to show the administration that we are not willing to accept the way they have treated us. They have made decisions that have made our lives as teaching assistants more difficult. We do not want this to continue and we want a say in our future as employees of this university. The best way to guard against being mistreated now and in the future is to negotiate a fair contract.

The strength of our contract will be related to your willingness to work to improve our treatment. We believe this contract can help our situation at WMU and at the same time can benefit the university. Our situation will be more secure with a contract and the university will be able to attract more top-notch students by offering better assistantships. We also are important to the university’s efforts at retaining undergraduate students since we teach so many students and can have a real impact in this area. It is key that you get involved for your own best interests as well as future students.

There are multiple ways to get involved. First, be an informed member by visiting our website at www.tauaft.org or talking to your departmental steward. Second, attend a general membership meeting on Friday, January 26 at 5:30 in Room 157 in the Bernhard Center. Third, contact the TAU office at 553-1810 to volunteer to serve on a committee such as research, organizing, or bargaining.