A union is a body composed of workers that serves to represent the common interests of those workers.
A union gives workers the power of collective bargaining, which allows them to negotiate the specifics of their job, such as pay, job duties, and major changes to their role with their employers.
The reasons NYU RAs unionized varies by each RA, but the common goal of the union is to have RAs labor fairly recognized and compensated. Some common reasons are listed below:
I voted to unionize because I want monetary compensation for my labor
I voted to unionize because I want more transparency from NYU admin regarding the RA role
I voted to unionize becuase there need to be more boundaries within the role
I voted to unionize because I receive unequal housing as compared to other RAs
I voted to unionize because I want better working conditions so that I can better support my residents
Check out our social media for more "reasons why", or talk to a current or former NYU RA!
Yes, there are a multitude of RA unions across the US!
UMass Amherst, a public university, has had a thriving RA union since 2002. In a 2016 ruling, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) established the right for undergraduate and graduate students at private institutions to unionize. Since then, RAs at private universities such as Columbia, Tufts, Barnard, Wesleyan, Drexel, and many more have formed unions.
We are proud to join this collection of student workers across the country to improve conditions for all!
RAs will only pay union dues once the contract is ratified. In accordance with UAW Local 7902 bylaws, this will be ~1.44% of only monetary compensation (stipend). This money goes to support our Union's operations, which in turn support us!
No!
Being in a union allows us to dictate the terms of our working conditions, it does not allow NYU to make our jobs more difficult. Terms and circumstances will be dictated by our contract which we collectively negotiate with NYU. The union also provides RAs with clear disciplinary procedures and protection from harassment.
RAs jobs and RAs housing will not be subject to the decisions of individual BLTs but instead, be based on rules in our contract that we collectively create. This also means that it is no longer solely up to management to make or change policy on a whim — all changes to the contract must be negotiated with us.
A contract ensures that policies and procedures will be continued year to year, to provide stability for returning and future student workers.
No!
It is illegal under the National Labor Relations Act for NYU to retaliate against you by supporting or being part of a union.
Our union gives RAs greater job security and protects RAs from unjust firing or retaliation.
You have the right to organize/form a union, join a union, bargain, and discuss the union with your co-workers without losing your job. If the university attempts to violate this right, UAW will provide legal support to affected students.
RA Council serves to represent individual buildings within the overall RA role, and there is no independent ability to negotiate contractual obligations.
Additionally, all RA Council members are appointed by each Building Leadership Team, rathern than chosen by the RAs themselves.
Having a union allows RAs to choose those elected to the table and gives RAs the power to negotiate on the same level as upper management.