Grad Student Unions: Private University Count

Graduate student unions have been a topic of discussion and action in recent years, with a growing momentum for organisation and unionisation among graduate student workers. In the United States, graduate student employees unions are labour unions that represent graduate students who are employed by their college or university as research assistants, teaching assistants, or graduate assistants. As of July 2023, there were at least 156 active graduate student employee bargaining units in the US, with a history of unionisation stretching back to the 1960s. The first graduate student union emerged at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1969, and since then, graduate students have been organising and advocating for their rights as employees.

The National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) ruling in the Columbia University case in 2016 was a pivotal moment, as it recognised student teaching assistants and student research assistants at private universities as employees, granting them the right to unionise under the National Labor Relations Act. This decision set a precedent and encouraged graduate students at other private institutions to seek union representation.

The benefits of unionisation for graduate students include higher salaries, improved health benefits, and better working conditions. By bargaining collectively, graduate students can negotiate for fair pay and benefits, addressing issues such as low stipends and inadequate healthcare coverage.

However, the process of forming and maintaining a union is not without challenges. Graduate students often face opposition from university administrations and legal complexities, especially at private universities, where the NLRB has the power to determine whether graduate students are considered employees, granting them collective bargaining rights. Despite these obstacles, the number of graduate student unions and union members continues to grow, reflecting a strong desire for improved working conditions and representation for graduate student employees.

Grad student unions: the pros and cons

The presence of a student union at a graduate school is a different priority for everyone and can be a quality to weigh against other qualities of the graduate schools that someone is interested in attending. It's important to be informed about what it means for you and your time at the school. This article will discuss the pros and cons of grad student unions.

Pros

Grad student unions are labor unions that represent graduate students who are employed by their college or university as research assistants, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, or similar. Through the power of collective bargaining afforded by being in a union, grad students have been able to negotiate for things like minimum yearly stipend raises, legal expense coverage for international students, paid parental leave, and many other quality-of-life improvements. Unions have been crucial for providing grad students with the capacity to genuinely advocate for the things that are important to them to ensure a physically and emotionally healthy environment to do their research.

Unions guarantee workers the right to collectively bargain and take collective action (e.g. striking) against unfair labor practices. Unions have also been vital in providing grad students with tools to advocate for themselves and the resources necessary to support themselves. Unions can also play a role in making grad school accessible to those historically and systemically excluded by academia.

Cons

The main con of grad student unions is the potential for increased costs for universities and PIs, which could result in reduced funding for current students and make it harder for future students to get into labs. Unions may also tip the scale toward students being seen as employees rather than trainees, which could reduce institutional investment in trainee education and professional development. Additionally, there is a chance that unionization could reduce scientific output and productivity in labs.

While there are some potential downsides to grad student unions, such as increased costs and reduced scientific output, the benefits of unionization, such as improved pay and working conditions, protection against exploitation, and access to resources and support, generally outweigh the negatives. Grad students who are employed by their colleges or universities may find that unions provide them with a stronger voice and greater advocacy in their academic institutions.

Grad student unions: a historical overview

Graduate student unionization efforts, also known as academic student employee unionization, date back to the 1960s and 1970s. The movement was heavily influenced by the New Left Movement and the UC Berkeley Free Speech Movement, which sparked discussions on university democracy and the student-university relationship.

Beginnings (1960s-1979)

The first graduate student union emerged in 1969 when graduate student employees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison formed a voluntarily recognized union and negotiated a contract the following year. While they were the first to succeed, students at the University of California, Berkeley, had attempted to unionize around the same time. Their union was never formally recognized and eventually disbanded.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) played a significant role during these early years. In 1974, the NLRB ruled that research assistants within the Stanford University physics department did not have the right to unionize, stating that they were primarily students and not employees. This set a precedent for students at private colleges and universities, as federal law regarding unionization excluded public employees.

Decline and Inactivity (1980-1989)

Between 1981 and 1991, unionization efforts slowed, with only a few universities recognizing graduate unions. An exception was the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where 2,500 graduate assistants won recognition in 1990 and a contract the following year.

Aggressive Growth (1990-2004)

The 1990s saw a resurgence in unionization efforts, with more aggressive and successful campaigns at both public and private universities. Labor unions, such as the AFL-CIO, became more actively involved, providing support and resources for student organizers.

During this period, the NLRB's rulings shifted back and forth on the employee status of graduate students at private universities. In 2000, the NLRB, under President Bill Clinton's appointees, ruled that graduate assistants at New York University (NYU) had the right to unionize. This led to a wave of unionization efforts at other institutions. However, in 2004, under President George W. Bush's administration, the NLRB reversed this decision, denying graduate students the right to unionize in a case between Brown University and campus organizers.

Brown Era (2004-2016)

The NLRB's Brown decision slowed down student organizing efforts, particularly at private universities. Despite this setback, graduate students at public universities continued their unionization drives. During this period, a ruling by the Illinois Court of Appeals allowed graduate students at multiple universities in Illinois to unionize.

Post-Columbia Era (2016-present)

In August 2016, the NLRB reversed the Brown decision, ruling that graduate students at private universities are considered employees and have the right to unionize. This sparked a resurgence of graduate student unionization efforts, with several universities recognizing graduate unions in the following years.

The growth of the graduate labor movement is attributed to various factors, including the increasing corporatization of universities, rising teaching workloads, stagnant compensation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on graduate student workers.

Grad student unions: the legal landscape

The legal landscape for grad student unions in the US is complex and ever-changing, with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) playing a pivotal role in determining the rights of graduate students to unionize.

Grad Student Unions: An Overview

Grad student unions, or academic student employee unions, are labor unions that represent students employed by their colleges or universities as research assistants, teaching assistants, or in similar roles. These unions advocate for better pay, improved benefits, and enhanced working conditions for their members.

The Legal Landscape: A Dynamic History

The NLRB's rulings on the employee status of grad students have shifted over the years, with the "primary purpose" and "compensated services" approaches influencing their decisions. The "primary purpose" approach considers grad students as primarily students rather than employees, while the "compensated services" approach views them as employees performing services for compensation.

In the 1950s and 1970s, the NLRB rulings restricted grad student unionization in private universities, citing their primary educational purpose and lack of significant commercial activity. However, in 1970, the NLRB reversed its decision, acknowledging the changing economic landscape and the difficulty in distinguishing commercial and non-commercial activities in private universities.

In 2000, the NLRB, under President Clinton, ruled that grad students at New York University (NYU) were employees, setting a precedent for unionization efforts. However, in 2004, under President Bush, the NLRB reversed this decision, ruling that grad students at Brown University were not employees. This reversal slowed unionization momentum, particularly in private universities.

In 2016, during the Obama administration, the NLRB once again ruled that grad students at Columbia University were employees, granting them the right to unionize. This decision sparked a resurgence of grad student unionization efforts, with several universities recognizing grad student unions.

Recent Developments and Challenges

Despite these gains, challenges to grad student unionization persist. University administrators and associations often oppose unionization, arguing that it threatens academic freedom and harms faculty-student relationships. Additionally, the NLRB proposed a rule in 2019 stating that grad students are not employees, which, if finalized, could significantly impact unionization efforts.

Grad student unions also face legal complexities due to varying state laws regarding collective bargaining rights for academic student employees. Some states explicitly grant these rights, while others deny or leave them unclear.

Looking Ahead

The legal landscape for grad student unions remains dynamic, with ongoing court battles and shifting political landscapes influencing the rights of grad students to unionize. Grad students, universities, and labor organizations continue to navigate this complex environment, shaping the future of grad student unions in the US.

Grad student unions: the economic impact

Grad student unions have been a feature of university life in the US since the late 1960s, with the first recognised union being established at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 1969. Since then, the number of unions has grown, with at least 156 active graduate student employee bargaining units publicising their unionisation in the US as of July 2023. This article will explore the economic impact of grad student unions, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks for students, universities, and faculty members.

Benefits for Students

One of the primary motivations for students to join or form a union is to improve their salaries, benefits, and working conditions. Unions can negotiate for higher wages, better healthcare benefits, and enhanced worker protections. For example, the union at the University of California, Berkeley, secured a wage increase, childcare and paid leave, a non-discrimination and anti-bullying policy, and accessibility accommodations. Additionally, unions can provide support and protection for students who are treated unfairly or exploited by the university administration.

Unions also give graduate students a say in their working conditions and can help to reduce workload and improve work-life balance. For instance, the union contract at the University of California system included provisions to allow graduate students to control class sizes. This can be particularly important for students with families or other commitments outside of their studies.

Furthermore, unionisation can lead to improved economic prospects for graduate students once they enter the job market. Unionised graduate students may be able to negotiate for better pay and benefits that will continue after they complete their degrees, improving their long-term economic outlook.

Drawbacks for Students

One potential drawback of grad student unionisation is the possibility of increased costs for union dues, which typically range from 1.5-2.5% of gross pay. While these dues can be offset by the improved benefits and wages negotiated by the union, it is still an additional expense for students. Additionally, there may be negative consequences for the relationship between graduate students and their faculty advisors if the unionisation process creates tension within the institution.

Another potential issue is the possibility of reduced funding for graduate student positions. Some university administrators and faculty members argue that unionisation will make graduate students more expensive to employ, leading to fewer available positions. This could make it harder for future students to find positions and secure funding for their studies. However, this impact may be mitigated if universities choose to divert funds from other areas to support graduate student wages.

Impact on Universities

For universities, the economic impact of grad student unionisation can be complex. On the one hand, unionisation can lead to increased costs as universities are required to negotiate and provide better wages and benefits for graduate students. This may require universities to seek additional funding or make budget cuts in other areas. On the other hand, unionisation can also bring benefits to universities, such as improved working conditions and job satisfaction for graduate students, which may lead to higher retention rates and improved research and teaching outcomes.

Impact on Faculty Members

For faculty members, the economic impact of grad student unionisation can be mixed. On the one hand, unionisation can lead to improved working conditions for faculty members who are also union members, as unions can negotiate for better wages and benefits for all employees, including faculty. On the other hand, some faculty members may face additional costs if they are required to pay union dues. Additionally, unionisation can lead to changes in the dynamic between faculty members and graduate students, as graduate students may have more power to negotiate their working conditions and demand changes that could affect faculty workloads and responsibilities.

In conclusion, grad student unions have the potential to bring about significant economic impacts for students, universities, and faculty members. While there may be some drawbacks, such as increased costs and changes in dynamics between students and faculty, the potential benefits in terms of improved wages, benefits, and working conditions for graduate students outweigh the potential negatives. Grad student unions can empower students and give them a voice in their working conditions, leading to improved economic prospects during and after their studies.

Grad student unions: a global perspective

Grad Student Unions in the US

Momentum to organize among grad student workers is growing despite opposition from universities. Grad students are increasingly seeking to exercise their right to unionize at the private universities where they work. During the 2011-2012 school year, 12.1% of all grad students and 57.9% of non-education PhD students worked as grad student assistants.

In 2016, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that "student teaching assistants" and "student research assistants" are employees at private universities and therefore have the right to unionize under the National Labor Relations Act. Since that ruling, grad student unions have been forming at some of the nation's most elite private institutions, including Columbia, Harvard, and Yale.

As of July 2023, there were at least 156 active grad student employee bargaining units in the US. Grad student unions offer many benefits to their members, including higher pay, improved health benefits, and better working conditions.

Grad Student Unions in Canada

As of July 2023, there were at least 14 active grad student employee bargaining units in Canada. One example is McGill University, which has multiple grad student employee unions representing different types of employees, such as research assistants and support employees.

Grad Student Unions in Other Countries

Outside of North America, there is limited information available specifically about grad student unions at private universities. However, in Finland and Sweden, grad students are often regular employees and are represented by their respective professional unions.

Global Perspective on Grad Student Unions

While the focus of this article has been primarily on the US and Canada, it is worth noting that the right to unionize as a worker is recognized as a fundamental right by the United Nations. Grad student unions have been successful in improving the pay and working conditions of their members, and it is likely that we will continue to see a growth in grad student unionization globally.

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