The Graduate Employees’ Organization (GEO) staged a protest outside the Michigan League on February 12, 2026, demanding better wages and improved working conditions for graduate student employees. The demonstration followed the cancellation of a scheduled contract bargaining session between GEO and the University of Michigan Human Resources. The session was suspended for 28 days by mediator Micki Czerniak, as announced on February 12.
The picket, which lasted until 09:30 a.m., saw participants holding signs advocating for fair pay, resistance against repression, and support for the expansion of Ann Arbor’s Unarmed Crisis Response Program. This initiative aims to reroute non-criminal emergency calls to trained unarmed crisis responders rather than police officers.
Chants echoed through the air, with slogans such as “Ann Arbor is a union town; if we don’t get it, shut it down,” and “United we bargain, divided we beg.” Protesters also called for the exclusion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from the University of Michigan campus.
In an interview with The Michigan Daily, Daniel Weaver, chair of GEO’s salary working group, expressed that the picket was a crucial effort to engage with the University administration, which he believes has distanced itself from the community. “Leadership, in general, works hard to be insulated from a lot of the people who work here,” Weaver stated. He emphasized the need for the administration to consider the ideas and concerns of those who contribute to the institution’s functioning.
The protest garnered support from various sectors, including U-M lecturers, undergraduate student organizations, and local politicians. Yousef Rabhi, a candidate for Ann Arbor mayor and Washtenaw County commissioner, attended the event holding a sign reading “Fair Work, Fair Pay.” He highlighted the importance of GEO’s demands for both fair compensation and a commitment to creating an ICE-free campus. “It’s disrespectful to tried-and-true labor practice and labor law,” Rabhi remarked, referring to the University’s decision to decline in-person negotiations.
Protection from ICE has emerged as a critical issue among GEO members and supporters. During their last bargaining session, the organization proposed measures to limit the University’s cooperation with ICE, advocating for alerts to be sent out when ICE is present on campus.
Undergraduate students also participated in the picket, underscoring the interconnectedness of their rights with those of graduate employees. Siena Ramirez, a junior in Public Policy and member of the TAHRIR Coalition, emphasized the importance of solidarity among students. “It’s our responsibility to do what we can to support each other’s rights,” she stated. Ramirez expressed her commitment to standing with GEO in their fight for the rights of all individuals on campus.
Hiab Teshome, current GEO president, noted the significance of support from the broader University community. “Everyone is affected by the things the University does and the things we’re fighting for in our contract,” Teshome said. He acknowledged that allyship at protests and bargaining events is crucial for driving meaningful change.
As the GEO continues to advocate for better wages and protections, the spotlight remains on the University of Michigan’s response to the pressing issues raised by its graduate student employees. The ongoing negotiations and community support will play a significant role in the outcome of these demands.
