Meet your 2025-2027 CBA Tentative Agreement

After almost five months of bargaining, your GEO bargaining team has reached a full tentative agreement (TA) with the MSU administration. This TA is presented here to the GEO membership for a ratification vote. The bargaining team unanimously recommends membership votes YES on this TA to certify the economic gains and protections outlined below.

Changes to the contract in this TA are outlined below. This guide breaks down the major provisions of the contract and explains what they mean for you as a GA. This is your contract, and it is important that you understand what you are voting for. If you have questions, please contract the GEO central committee and we would be happy to talk through the TA. Ballots for voting will be sent to all GEO members via email. If you are not yet a member and would like to make your voice heard - it’s not too late! Sign your membership card here.

Click the button above to read the full TA. See below for additional details. In the TA, text that is struck-through will be removed and underlined text will be added. Several items from the previous contract were not changed, and you can see those here.

Your Contract Wins

Economic Wins

This TA structures pay increases differently than we have done in the past. For most GAs, this will be a positive change. Rather than two increases over the life of the contract, most of us will see a single increase effective January 1st, 2026. This will put more money in your pocket sooner. We will see the largest GAP increase (that additional money that is added to our paychecks intended to offset the cost of health care, housing, etc), in recent contracts. The minimum guaranteed stipend will also increase, catching about 10% of GAs. The total economic package represents a $2 million dollar increase in GA compensation.

Under this TA, most GAs will see a pay increase of at least $2,160 over current levels over the life of the contract. GAs at the minimum stipend will see an increase of at least $2,460. As is typical, current first-year GAs not see an increase until July 1st, 2026, when they enter their second appointment year. At that time, they will receive an increase comparable to returning GAs. The table below compares the proposed pay structure to previous contracts, outlines the minimum stipend, and total GAP pay.

Importantly, the contract language guarantees stipends will increase by “at least $600” on January 1st, 2026. This phrasing creates room for some GAs to see larger raises. GEO will ask the Graduate School to encourage departments and PIs to go above and beyond the minimum. This is a great opportunity to advocate for yourself.

Because of the university’s financial constraints, it is unlikely we could have secured larger across-the-board raises in this round. Still, this agreement delivers meaningful gains in both pay and GAP funding, and positions us to keep pushing for more in the future.

***Reminder: Stipend increases are pro-rated based on appointment length while GAP is not.

Working Condition Wins

Our contract not only sets pay, but also protects our working conditions. This TA secures several meaningful improvements that will make our day-to-day lives as GAs more predictable, transparent, and safe.

Guaranteed Time Off for Holidays

GAs will be guaranteed time off for all University-recognized holidays. Research, teaching, course prep, and other work will not be required during these days. GAs that observe religious or cultural holidays outside of the holidays officially recognized by the University should contact Campus Civil Rights to make arrangements.

Protections if Funding is Lost

In the event funding for a GA position is unexpectedly lost, the University will be required to make a reasonable effort to find an alternative source of funding. The Graduate School will be required to consult with the GA and their advisor within 10 days of the loss.

Advance Notice for Work Outside Normal Hours

Advisors must provide a minimum of 48 hours advanced notice if work is required outside of a GA’s typical schedule.

Clearer Appointment Letters

Appointment letters will now include more detailed information, such as the pay schedule, so GAs know exactly what to expect when starting a position.

International GA Trainings

International GAs will have access to annual trainings through the Office of International Programs. These trainings will help keep international GAs up to date on policy changes and other information specific to international students.

Voice in TA Assignments

The Grad School will encourage departments to consider TA preference and experience when making TA assignments.

Safe Working Environment

The TA strengthens language around a safe working environment, clarifying the reporting procedures for violations under MSU’s Environmental and Safety Policy.

Ratification Process

All GEO members will have the opportunity to vote on this TA. Ballots will be emailed directly to members. The GEO bargaining team unanimously recommends ratification.

The ratification vote is your chance to decide whether this agreement becomes our new contract. Keep an eye on your inbox for your ballot and make sure your voice is heard.

Ratification Timeline

• Membership Meeting: Monday, October 13th at 5:00pm in Lewis 306 and online
  GEO will host a hybrid meeting providing an overview of the TA. Please bring any questions you have about the contract language. Check your email for the link.

• Ballots Sent and Voting Opens: Thursday, October 9th
  Members can begin casting their votes

• Voting Closes: Wednesday, October 15th at 11:59pm
  All votes must be cast by this date.

• Board of Regents Approval: November 2025
  If members ratify the TA, the contract will be sent to the Board of Regents for final approval.

What Comes Next?

Ratifying this tentative agreement is an important step forward, but it’s not the end of the fight. Winning better pay and working conditions takes ongoing organizing, and we are already looking ahead.

Through our Labor-Management Committee, GEO will continue pushing for:

• Healthcare access that meets the needs of graduate employees.

• Equitable housing options to make living in our community more affordable.

• Rights and protections for international GAs, ensuring fair treatment and support.

• Additional improvements to working and learning conditions that members identify as priorities.

Our strength comes from acting together. The contract sets the floor, not the ceiling, for what we can achieve. By staying engaged and active in the union, we will keep building power and momentum for the fights ahead.

Questions about this TA?

Use this form to submit your questions. We’ll post answers here and discuss them at the October 13th meeting.