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About Oregon daily emerald. (Eugene, Or.) 1920-2012 | View Entire Issue (April 28, 1981)
Care not in present contract GTFs negotiate for health insurance plan By MARIAN GREEN Of the Emerald Health insurance coverage has emerged as one of the main issues in current contract negotiations between the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation and the University. The GTFF, whose member ship includes about half the University’s 800 graduate teaching fellows, has negotiat ed weekly with the University since February on a new 1981-83 contract. The current contract expires June 30. GTFF Treasurer Dick Vander Schaaf says the contract covers issues such as workloads, salary levels and departmental hiring procedures, but "our primary aim is to try to get health insurance.” Currently, GTFs aren’t covered under the University’s state health insurance plan, because Oregon law requires that employees work at least half-time for state-plan cover age, according to Vander Schaaf. The GTFF is working for changes in the law that would allow the unit to bargain for the state health insurance. Vander Schaaf says GTF health insurance won’t cost the state additional money because the insurance "would be tied to the GTFF salary package." Nevertheless, “it’s a big hurdle to have to get a law passed through the Legislature.” Vander Schaaf says GTFs are serious about wanting health insurance coverage. —.. i I "They would rather have health insurance than a cost of-living increase in some ways’’ But right now it’s up to the individual to obtain health in surance, Vander Schaaf says. "Most of us don’t have health insurance.” Another contract issue being considered is the proposed tui tion surcharge, Vander Schaaf says. If approved, the GTFF wants the surcharge to come out of the GTF's salary package and not tuition charges, Vander Schaaf says Because of a GTFF-University policy, some issues, such as proposed salary increases, cannot be made public, Vander Schaaf says. GTFs received a cost-of-living increase of about seven percent when the GTFF bargained for the present contract two years ago, Vander Schaaf says. At that time, the Consumer Price Index to inflation was hovering at about 14 percent, he adds The GTFF will hold a general meeting Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in Room 101, EMU At the meet ing, contract negotiations, health care legislation and the Oregon Federation of Teachers' convention will be discussed In addition, a slide show on El Sal vador will be shown. Novelist to speak on publishing Novelist John Keeble will visit the University on Thursday to lecture and meet with students and faculty. Keeble, who also coordinates a creative writing program at Eastern Washington University at Cheney, will talk about developing and publishing con temporary fiction at 2:30 p.m. in Room 243 of Gilbert Hall. He will make a second presentation at 8 p.m. in Room 224 Gilbert Hall. The lectures are free to the public. Keeble's novels include "Crab Canon," "Mine," which he co-authored with Ransom Jeffrey, and "Yellowfish." His lastest book, set in Eastern Oregon, is scheduled for release in 1982. The University Creative Writ ing Program is sponsoring Kee ble’s visit in cooperation with the Lane Community College language arts department. The Creative Writing Program lecture series is funded by the Time/Life Foundation and University alumnus Kenny Moore, a senior writer for Sports Illustrated magazine. Prof selected to teach in Paris University comparative litera ture department head Irving Wohlfarth has been selected to serve as a visiting professor at the Ecole des Hautes en Sciences Sociales in Paris for several months next year. Also a 1979 recipient of a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow ship to write a biography of Walter Benjamin, Wohlfarth will continue his research on the German literary figure during his year in Europe. His research will be conduct ed under the auspices of the French government. Wohlfarth received his ba chelor’s degree from Cam bridge in 1961 and his doctoral degree from Yale University in 1970. He teaches 19th century French literature and contem porary European literary cri ticism at the University. Wohlfarth will be working on an unpublished work of Ben jamin with French and German scholars at the Biblioteque Na tionale in Paris. 22 CITIES/15 DAYS Wen&ska $549 See ypur travel agent. Or give us a call at 800-426-5049. In Washington, call 800-562-5222. NOW OPEN LATE NIGHT FOR YOUR MUNCHING PLEASURE MEXICAN STYLE OMELETTES After 10:00 PM MEXICAN FOOD 667 E. 13th The Cactus Patch Money Saving Specials each week Mexican & Domestic Beers Open til 3 A.M. Fri & Sat 11 A.M. to 1 A.M. Mon-Thurs^ Study irt Mexico Guadalajara A six-month OSSHE program in “The City of Roses ’ More information and applications available. Tuesday April 28 at 7 pm — Gilbert 232 or International Services, Oregon Hall 330 • •
