Greetings,

Everybody likes a free ride, and I'm no different.

It's only been about a year since I really got involved with the union, signing up at the urging of friends to help out with the Summer/Winter session organizing drive. But that seems so long ago now... Thanks in some small part to my efforts, for the first time since the faculty union was recognized in 1970, we enjoy the protections of union representation every day of the year, no matter what or when we're teaching. I was a part of history. More than that, working with the union has strengthened old friendships--and made new friends, too, the kind I know will stick around for a lifetime.

And shouldn't it make sense that you'd meet the best people in the union? Those generous of spirit, courageous and full of life, who stand up to fight for all of us?

Yeah. I'm really blessed to know these people. And as easy as it was to ride the union train for free, I'm here to tell you: the leg of the trip where you help out will be so much more fun.

Come out this week and see what I mean.

Events This Week

Steering Committee Meeting: Help us plan for orientation, weigh in on summer contract negotiations, or just offer your two cents on which band to hire for May Day. We meet Wednesday, 4pm at the AAUP offices at 11 Stone St., just two blocks down from the Graduate Student Lounge on College Ave.
Summer Organizing Drive: Let's see who's still slaving away in the labs on a Friday afternoon! Gather on the steps of the Food Science Building on Cook Campus at 3pm on Friday.
Summer Social Hour: It's on Friday this time, so your excuses are dwindling! Meet the gang, have some fun, and as always count on free drinks for anyone wearing a union shirt to support the team! We'll be at Evelyn's Restaurant on Easton Ave in New Brunswick, any time after 8:30pm.

Please direct all questions to me at taga@gsa.rutgers.edu.

In unity,
Elric Kline
TA/GA Steering Committee