Become a member!

Our Union is a democratic institution that derives its strength from an active and participatory membership. Help build a stronger Union and join the majority of Graduate Assistants and Postdocs by becoming a member today!

We are an amalgamated union of Graduate Assistants (GAs) and Postdocs at the University of Connecticut. Because of strong majority membership, GAs have succeeded in reducing student fees, increasing stipends, improving access to parking and affordable health insurance, and strengthening workload and sexual harassment & discrimination protections.

• You can have a direct input in internal decision-making and direction of the Union
• You can make your voice heard in membership meetings and by voting in union elections ​
  
• You can strengthen and empower the union by contributing to our membership numbers and contributing resources 
• You can become part of a community of graduate students and postdocs by joining our committees as well as attending events and meetings 
• You can proudly say that you are a union member!

Postdocs unionized and amalgamated with the GEU. Through bargaining, the Postdocs have won a strong first contract with the university that includes affordable and quality health insurance, better workplace protections, and retirement benefits. ​

Become a member

Note: This form is for both Graduate Assistants and Postdocs.

You can also download a membership form, complete it, and email it to us at [email protected]. You may also contact us and a representative will schedule a time to meet with you virtually and answer any questions you may have.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I sign up to be a member? 

• When you sign up to be a member, a staff member will email you to welcome you to the union and share important information about UnionPlus, membership meetings, and other great benefits and resources associated with union membership. 
• Union dues of 1.095% of your paycheck and a one-time $10 initiation fee will be automatically withdrawn from the following paycheck. ​

Where Do My 1.095% Union Dues Go?

Your 1.095% contribution empowers our union to fight for better wages, workplace protections, and resources that benefit all members. These dues help fund contract negotiations that secure better pay and benefits. They also provide legal support for workplace issues and resources to ensure fair treatment for all members. Dues also cover the cost of organizing efforts, training workshops like steward leadership programs, and events such as community rallies, coffee hours, and our annual ice cream social that build our collective power. In short, our dues ensure we have the collective strength and resources as workers to secure fair wages, protect our rights, and create a supportive community for all members.

I already get emails from the union. Does that mean I’m a member? 

All the employees in our bargaining unit get our emails! If you want to check whether you’re a member or not, don’t hesitate to contact us.

I signed up as a member when I was a Graduate Assistant my first year, but I was a fellow my second year. Now I’m a GA again. Am I still a member?

Usually your membership is suspended when you’re a fellow, but restarts when you return to being a Graduate Assistant. If you’re unsure of your membership status, contact us. ​

I’m leaving UConn. Do I need to cancel my union membership? ​

No, your membership will automatically end when you leave UConn.

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Privacy Policy

Our union, the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union (UAW Local 6950), is committed to protecting our members' privacy. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard our members’ personal information. 

From time to time, we collect names, mailing addresses, personal email addresses, and cell phone numbers provided by members. This information is used to facilitate communication between members, contact members about important issues and campaigns, and remind members about upcoming events and meetings. This data will be retained according to the policies of the UAW Constitution. Members have the right to request their information be deleted or to withdraw consent for personal data storage and usage. 

No mobile information or SMS opt-in data information will be sold or otherwise provided to any third parties for marketing purposes. Data sharing is strictly limited to the secure platform which hosts our membership database, and only as necessary to fulfill those services. The information will be used only by Local 6950 and the UAW. We prioritize data security by using a platform that stores information in an encrypted server.  
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If you have any concerns or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].