TAMPA, Fla. — They teach classes and conduct research, all while working to earn their PhD or master's degree.

But graduate assistants at the University of South Florida say the school is refusing to come to the table to negotiate a new contract. Saturday afternoon, dozens of GAs made some noise to make their voices heard.

"I make $17,800 between the months of August and May, and then I have to give $1,600 of that back to the school because I have to pay to work," Samantha Shepard, an organizing fellow with USF Graduate Assistants United, said through a megaphone during a protest on campus.

GAU said months of the union's attempts to schedule new contract negotiations went ignored, so they decided to take their demands to the top.

"We are outside President Steve Curall's mansion today to demand the university to stop stalling," Shepard announced to more than two dozen protesters gathered in their cars in front of Lifsey House, Curall's on-campus residence.

For half an hour, the protesters circled the drive leading up to the home, honking and displaying signs.

Speakers called for a living wage, paid parental leave, and job security. They also asked for clarification on the university's plans to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Photo: Sarah Blazonis/Spectrum Bay News 9

Union leaders said some GAs working on research have had to do so on campus.

"It's not essential, as such. It's not like a coronavirus response thing," USF GAU Co-President Kelly Osterman said of some of the research efforts. "And yet, they're still being pressured by faculty and pressured by administration to come to campus."

A spokesperson for USF said the school is committed to bargaining in good faith. She said some of the main unresolved issues are budgetary requests from the union.

The university said given the continuing impact of COVID-19, it wouldn't be financially responsible for USF to make long-term fiscal commitments.

"We understand that financial realities are up in the air during a pandemic. However, if there are budget constraints, USF has the ability to cut from the top, not the bottom," said Shepard.

GAs said bargaining is especially needed now. Their most recent contract expired at the end of June.

The union said negotiations did resume in June, but USF will only schedule meetings every five weeks.

The university spokesperson said the school has been diligent about addressing concerns raised by the union and points to a recently agreed upon memorandum of understanding as an example.