Union Discussions

Dear Grinnellians,

I write to you this evening to tell you about a series of conversations between student leaders of the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW) and College leadership, following an outreach from student union leadership. The UGSDW has indicated that they intend to file a petition with the National Labor Review Board (NLRB) in the coming weeks to hold an election related to expanding the student union.

The UGSDW has asked that we engage in a neutrality agreement process, which would establish terms for an election. Board of Trustees Chair Michael Kahn and I have been in conversation with union leaders since January, and, with Board support, are in discussions with the UGSDW leadership about a possible neutrality agreement. Any neutrality agreement would require Board approval before being signed. By engaging in this dialogue, consulting with faculty and staff leadership, and sharing this information with the broader campus community now, we hope to work together to determine the best way forward.

UGSDW leadership has indicated that the Union will file for election as soon as the end of February or beginning of March. In the coming weeks, we will create several opportunities for discussions, including public forums for faculty, staff, and students to learn about these processes and possible outcomes. In the meantime, we share guidelines at the bottom of this e-mail for discussion of the union that both preserve the standards of free inquiry of the College and adhere to NLRB parameters.

As you take more time to consider this news, I know you will have many thoughtful questions. I encourage you to learn more and to engage in dialogue and discussion: hallmarks of a liberal arts community.

All the best,

Anne

Anne F. Harris
President

Faculty and Staff Union Discussion Guidance

The guidelines below seek to both encourage discussion and uphold legal parameters established by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) concerning unionization. Faculty and staff are free to discuss the union and organized labor among themselves. In order to protect the integrity of the union election, any discussions with eligible voters in that election (student workers) need to follow the guidelines below.

• T.I.P.S. — engaging in the following could result in Unfair Labor Practices
  • THREATS: No student employee should be threatened because of their support for the Union.
  • INTERROGATION: No student employee should be questioned regarding their support for the Union.
  • PROMISES: No promises of special benefit or favor for opposing the Union should be made.
  • SURVEILLANCE: Lawful Union activity should not be surveilled.
• F.O.E.s — engaging in the following will not incur Unfair Labor Practices
  • FACTS: Discuss publicly available facts from reputable sources.
  • OPINIONS: Share personal opinions regarding the Union and its objectives (following T.I.P.S.)
  • EXAMPLES: Discuss real examples to illustrate perspectives about the Union and its expansion