Update on the University’s Discussions with the New Student Workers Organizing Committee
A Message from Francisco X. Pineda, Executive Vice President for Business and Operations and Chief Operating Officer; and Sonya Williams, Vice President for Human Resources
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
Yesterday, the university met with members of the New Student Workers Organizing Committee to continue our discussions regarding their request for union representation for eligible non-academic student workers. As highly valued and respected members of our community, we deeply appreciate the work they do to support our campus in roles ranging from Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants to positions at the university’s New Store and numerous others on our campus.
The university supports our student workers’ right to unionize, and we are committed to working with the Organizing Committee to advance these discussions with fairness, transparency, and respect for each other and the collective bargaining process. Earlier this year, the Organizing Committee withdrew its petition for recognition with the National Labor Relations Board, concluding that legal process and opening the door for a renewed conversation between the university and the Committee. We will continue to balance support of our Non-Academic Student Workers as students while recognizing the importance of the work they perform, including the wages they receive, working conditions on campus, and other important considerations.
We requested yesterday’s meeting in response to concerns raised by members of our community regarding solicitation practices. In that meeting, we reaffirmed our support for the Organizing Committee’s efforts to engage fellow students, while also underscoring the importance of ensuring that every individual can make their own decision free from undue pressure or harassment.
We also addressed a procedural concern. At our previous meeting, the Organizing Committee agreed to share a list of relevant student worker positions to help guide our internal planning. Unfortunately, they did not provide this information as expected, and instead submitted a letter demanding a proposal prior to the university’s stated timeline for doing so in early May. We shared our disappointment with this shift, while reiterating our readiness to engage constructively.
Since the meeting, the Committee has submitted its list of concerns, and we appreciate receiving this input. We look forward to continued discussions aimed at reaching a shared understanding that reflects our commitment to our students’ well-being, fair employment practices, and the long-term health of our university.
As always, we remain grounded in our mission and values—especially during this time of significant challenges for higher education. We are committed to providing a safe and supportive teaching, learning, and working environment for all members of our community.
For updates, please visit the Union Negotiations at The New School page. You can also stay informed by signing up for email notifications here and following @knowournewschool on Twitter and Instagram.