Update on our Discussions with the New Student Workers Organizing Committee
A Message from Sonya Williams, Vice President for Human Resources
I am writing to share an update on the progress of the university’s discussions with the New Student Workers Organizing Committee regarding their request for union representation for eligible non-academic student workers.
Since our meeting with the Organizing Committee last month, we have worked quickly to be responsive to their requests and the issues raised. To that end, we informed the Organizing Committee today that we fully support our Resident Assistants (RAs) forming a union on campus, if they choose to do so, through a private election agreement. Should a majority of those eligible to vote decide to join the union, the university will voluntarily recognize the union and begin the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement.
Federal labor law requires the bargaining unit to be composed of employees who have a “community of interest.” This means they have similar job functions, skills, training and working conditions. RAs meet these requirements under the law and our entire community values and respects the integral role they play in supporting our residential life program, their fellow students’ success, and in helping our community be more connected, inclusive, and supportive.
The university is prepared to immediately begin discussions with the Organizing Committee regarding the terms of the election process for RAs, with the goal of an election date as early as the Fall 2025 semester. If a majority of eligible RAs (current and those who held the role during the previous year) vote in favor of a union, we will work constructively towards a collective bargaining agreement and negotiate in good faith, as we have throughout our history with the nine labor unions on our campus.
Joining a union is a serious matter of personal choice for eligible individuals, and we encourage all RAs to gather information about the UAW, the union election process, and their rights under federal labor law. Because this is a process that is governed by the principle of majority rule, we hope all eligible RAs will then participate in the election so every voice can be heard.
We look forward to receiving the Organizing Committee’s response. For updates about these discussions, please visit our 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.