Penn State graduate workers clash with university over research assistant union rights
Last October, nearly 90% of Penn State graduate students voted to form a union representing teaching and research assistants. Weeks later, the university challenged including research assistants in the bargaining unit, citing their academic training. Graduate organisers pushed back, launching a petition and outlining priorities, while broader union momentum at Penn State, including faculty, signals growing calls for collective representation.
Last October, nearly 90% of Penn State graduate students voted to form a union representing teaching and research assistants. Weeks later, the university challenged including research assistants in the bargaining unit, citing their academic training. Graduate organisers pushed back, launching a petition and outlining priorities, while broader union momentum at Penn State, including faculty, signals growing calls for collective representation.
