While it is commendable for student groups like Direct Action and Students for Economic Justice to support MSU’s Graduate Employees Union in its efforts to negotiate a contract with administrators, calling for a one-day undergraduate strike from classes is not the best way to show it.
The two student activist groups are calling for a one-day strike March 11, in which they ask all students to abstain from attending classes.
Members of the groups met with union officials on Monday to discuss terms of the union’s support for the one-day strike. Union members decided they will not participate in the strike but will support undergraduates who do not go to class that day.
Graduate union members picketed for two days last week along Farm Lane near Erickson Hall to raise awareness of their efforts, and because they feel contract negotiations with the university are going too slowly.
The union was formed last spring and has been engaged in negotiation with administrators since October.
It is proper for undergraduates to make themselves aware of the graduate student struggle. And it is commendable for some to support the union. But a one-day undergraduate strike from class attendance wouldn’t do much good for the cause.
The administration is not affected by undergraduate attendance. The school still collects its tuition money.
The only people hurt by not attending classes are the people who don’t show up because they are the ones who miss out on the information provided that day.
March 11 is also the Monday after spring break, which is a day many students choose to extend their vacations by not going to class. The day isn’t ideal for a major strike effort.
These contract negotiations are the union’s fight. Aside from voicing formal support, undergraduates shouldn’t step into the ring.
It is important that union members stay at the bargaining table and work through the headaches caused by the struggle.
If graduates see a need to strike, it is up to them to carry it out, not undergraduates. In the past, union leaders have said a strike is unlikely, but they wouldn’t rule out the possibility.
It is admirable that Direct Action and Students for Economic Justice see the need to rally undergraduate support for the graduate union. But they are going about their efforts the wrong way.
A strike is not the solution.
University officials should work diligently with union officials to come to a deal. But union leaders need to understand their fight will not be. Both sides must give and take. We hope the graduate efforts prove prosperous.
As for undergraduates - go to class.
