The mediator appointed by the Michigan Employment Relations Commission has suspended contract negotiations between the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees’ Organization. 

In a letter sent to the university and GEO on Feb. 12, the state mediator assigned to the negotiations suspended further bargaining and mediation sessions for 28 days for a “cooling off period.” 

The parties have been directed to use this pause in negotiations to confer with the state mediator regarding who and how many individuals will be permitted to attend or participate in bargaining and mediation sessions, what identification procedure will be used, and other measures that will ensure the safety of all involved, as well as security of the bargaining process itself. 

The university respects the authority and role of the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and the mediator in the negotiation process, and intends to abide by the directive.

“From the start of these negotiations last fall, the university has remained committed to productively engaging with GEO to reach agreement on a new contract that is fair for graduate student instructors and graduate student staff assistants and is sustainable for the university,” said Alexandra Matish, associate vice provost and senior director of Academic Human Resources.

For more information, see Updates from 2025-2026 GEO Negotiations.