In his letter to The Michigan Daily, Eric Zech describes enjoying his working relationship with his adviser. It’s his right to admire her — many GSRAs who are active in GEO experience the great working relationships that define collaboration in research at its finest.
We take Zech at his word when it comes to his assertion of independent action, but personal attacks that appear to have the tacit support of a faculty member create a climate of fear and stifle open debate. The mounting attacks on Jennifer Dibbern exemplify the fearful tactics of union-busters who oppose not just unionization, but the right of GSRAs to choose for ourselves.
The replacement of democratic debate with diversionary character attacks doesn’t befit the University of Michigan — it’s sadly one of the oldest tricks in the history of corporate union-busting.
We want to proceed with an expedited, free and fair union election conducted under the auspices of the Michigan Employment Relations Commission. We urge those opposed to our organizing to trade in their character attacks for the democratic debate better suited to a superior university.
Alix Gould-Werth, Nina White and Samantha Montgomery
Members of GEO