In an almost unanimous vote, Syracuse University students working in library and food services approved a measure to unionize.
A total of 1,146 student workers will join SEIU Local 200United, which currently represents about 800 nonstudent workers in building, grounds and dining services. This brings the number of unionized staff and faculty on campus to around 4,000, more than 70% of all university workers. Syracuse University is the second largest employer in Onondaga County.
The vote took place over a two-day period on April 23 and 24.
“Securing our graduate worker union represents a landmark victory not only in our pursuit of equitable work conditions and recognition but also in affirming the essential needs of the student workers,” said Vedant Pimple, a student working in food service.
This is the second labor organizing victory for Syracuse University students. About 1,100 Ph.D. and master’s students who work as teaching assistants, research assistants or graduate administrative assistants formed Syracuse Graduate Employees United and won their union vote in April 2023.
In a statement, Syracuse University said it plans to meet with SEIU Local 200United to begin scheduling negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement.
“The university is committed to working collaboratively and in good faith to achieve a fair contract that supports and reflects the important contributions of these student workers,” the statement read.
More than 99% of students voted yes, with only one student voting against the union, an increase from the 95% of graduate students who voted yes last year.
SEIU Local 200United President Scott Phillipson said the organization was excited to welcome the students into the union.
“As the number of student workers has skyrocketed in recent years, we’ll be stronger standing up together to make real change,” Phillipson said. “Good jobs and unions for all is what we stand for on campus and in the broader Syracuse community.”
Efforts to organize students in library and food service began last year following the success of the graduate students. While negotiations have not officially begun, SEIU is currently surveying students to help determine what they plan to bargain for.
Administrative staff at the university are also looking to unionize, with their elections expected to occur in May.
