News Summary
A group of 2,200 graduate students at Vanderbilt University has filed an election request to form a union with the United Auto Workers, seeking better pay and benefits. Organizers highlight financial challenges faced by students, as university administration disputes their employee status. The push for unionization reflects a growing trend among graduate student workers nationwide advocating for their rights amidst rising living costs.
Nashville, TN – A bargaining unit of 2,200 graduate students at Vanderbilt University has filed an election request with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to organize a union in partnership with the United Auto Workers. The election request was submitted on October 2, 2024, amidst increasing demands for higher pay and improved benefits from graduate student employees who engage in instructional, research, or administrative work.
The unionization effort gained momentum following a petition campaign where students collected approximately 1,000 signatures advocating for raises and better financial support. Organizers of the movement, including Nick Goodell and Jade Miller, emphasize the pressing need for guaranteed annual raises, particularly in light of the escalating cost of living in Nashville. The financial realities for many graduate students are challenging, with personal accounts of financial strain highlighting the difficulties they face in meeting everyday expenses.
Goodell has shared experiences of personal financial challenges, such as saving for dental surgery, showcasing the burdens graduate students often endure in their pursuit of advanced degrees. Similarly, Miller pointed out that in certain departments, students are often discouraged from taking on additional jobs, which exacerbates their financial hardship. Both organizers have expressed that financial stability is essential for graduate students, particularly international students subject to visa restrictions that limit their ability to seek outside employment.
In response to the unionization efforts, Vanderbilt University administration has asserted that graduate students do not qualify as employees and has criticized the push for unionization. The university established a webpage titled “Union Facts,” arguing that a graduate student council elected by peers would be a more appropriate avenue for addressing grievances than a union. This administration position maintains that the activities performed by graduate students are primarily educational rather than employment-related, which aligns with their interpretation of the National Labor Relations Act’s definition of an employee.
Vanderbilt’s administration has taken proactive steps to delay the proposed hearing procedures related to the union election, submitting a motion to the NLRB for consideration during the scheduled hearing on October 10. This move indicates the university’s attempt to prevent what it perceives as an unnecessary complication to its operations as it navigates the unionization discussion.
Despite the administration’s objection, Goodell and Miller argue that the contributions made by graduate students are vital to the university’s operational success. They contend that the university benefits significantly from the labor and expertise of its graduate students while neglecting to provide them with adequate compensation and support.
This move towards unionization at Vanderbilt University reflects a broader trend observed across higher education institutions, where graduate student workers are increasingly seeking ways to advocate for their rights and improve their working conditions. Previous NLRB rulings established that graduate students at private universities possess the right to engage in collective bargaining movements, setting a legal precedent that supports the students’ current efforts. As this situation develops, the outcomes may have implications not only for Vanderbilt but for graduate student representation and labor rights across the nation.
Amid the ongoing labor discussions, Vanderbilt University has been expanding its presence with the announcement of Kellerhouse as the new executive director of operations and engagement for its upcoming New York City campus. This expansion highlights the university’s growth even as it faces scrutiny regarding its treatment of graduate employees.
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Additional Resources
- Tennessee Lookout: Vanderbilt Grad Students Look for Increased Pay
- Google Search: Vanderbilt University graduate students unionization
- Vanderbilt Hustler: Fact-Checking Vanderbilt’s Response to Kirkland Hall Sit-In
- Google Scholar: Vanderbilt University unionization
- Nashville Post: Vanderbilt University Names NYC Lead
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vanderbilt University
Author: HERE Nashville
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