A number of graduate student instructors have begun to warn their students of a possible walkout next week, which has yet to be formally approved, but seems likely to pass, according to some GSIs. The Graduate Employees’ Organization — the union for graduate student instructors on campus — will vote on a walkout next week.

While some GSIs plan to hold class in a non-University building, should the walkout take place, others will cancel class to show full support for the strike.

Alex Lovit, a history GSI, said that he expects there to be a walkout but does not intend on having a contingency plan.

“I am planning on taking part in the strike, and I will be picketing for part of the day,” Lovit said. He said that he would be holding extra office hours for students but will not be making up for any loss of class time.

Though he has not had a lot of interaction with the union, Lovit said that he feels that the members of the history department have a stronger desire to support the union.

Daniel Shoup, a classical studies GSI, echoed Lovit’s sentiments. He said that in good conscience he could not develop an alternative plan and that he plans on being in the picket line all day.

“In the classical studies department, about 75 percent of members are supportive of GEO demands. We find them to be reasonable,” Shoup said. He added that there is a solid base of support in his department.

Other GSIs, like Preeti Gupta, feel that a strike will not go through but has made alternative plans just in case.

Gupta, a history GSI, plans on holding her classes at Starbucks instead of the classroom during their scheduled times.

The lecturers’ union, the Lecturers’ Employee Organization, has said that though it supports their cause, it will not ask its members to walk out in solidarity.

“We are sympathetic and supportive of the issues that GEO is discussing, but we are not calling a strike. We have a no-strike clause in our contract,” said LEO president Bonnie Halloran.

She continued and said that members have individually been discussing whether they plan on supporting the walkout.

“Many members will honor the picket lines,” Halloran said. She added that she feels there is a strong sentiment among LEO members to support GEO.

GEO members are currently in the process of voting to authorize a walkout on Thursday. Mail-in ballots were sent to members late last month and will be counted on Sunday to gauge the sentiment of members.

A final vote to approve a walkout will take place at a membership meeting on Wednesday. GEO president Dave Dobbie said that he hopes that the union will not need a walkout and can instead solve its differences with the University through an all-day bargaining session today. Another session is scheduled for Tuesday before the final vote, where the University’s last offer will be assessed.

“I’m not as hopeful as I was before (last week’s negotiations),” he said. “I hope that over the next couple of sessions that (the University) comes back with more substantial proposals,” said Dobbie.

He added that GEO would be asking students, staff and faculty to stay off the campus and not cross picket lines. He also said that they would be asking professors and lecturers to not hold classes in a sign of solidarity.