The days left in the semester are winding down and most students are focused on getting their last-minute projects, assignments and exams done. But for members of the Graduate Employees Union, another objective looms. Their eyes are set on an impending strike.

After months of negotiations with the university, the GEU is still trying to get a fair wage increase, improved health care and retained parking rights in a new contract. Beyond MSU's paltry offer of a 0.5 percent wage increase, progress seems to be nonexistent.

Last week the members of the GEU unanimously approved a strike platform. This routine must feel like an old hat by now.

How many times does the GEU have to fight for a fair contract? This struggle between the university and the GEU is an ongoing one. In 2001, the GEU held a one-day strike. Then in 2002, the union held a strike for a wage increase and health care.

As we've stated in previous editorials, it doesn't make sense that the university wouldn't want to fairly compensate its graduate students for the impact they make on this institution. We have some very intelligent minds working here that deserve a living wage increase and the health care they could receive from a non-university job or perhaps another university.

Ultimately, if the GEU is forced to strike, more than just the graduate students will be hurt. Students taking classes during the summer will be at a disadvantage if teaching assistants are not around to lead classes and give extra help.

Even more significant is the loss MSU will suffer if it does not agree to give the GEU a fair agreement. The university might end up losing some of the graduate students it currently has and could damage its ability to attract graduates on a competitive level.

Now is the time to care about the GEU and its rights. The looming strike will affect everyone - from undergraduate students to graduate students and to, most importantly, the university.