Yale University: Yale calls for open discussion of student unionization effort

Yale announced on Friday that it will honor a request by graduate students from the labor organization UNITE HERE Local 33 to hold a secret ballot union election.

In a message, Yale Provost Scott Strobel encouraged graduate and professional school students who may be eligible to vote in such as election to engage with their peers, faculty members, and leaders of their school, educate themselves on the advantages and disadvantages of unionization, and vote their conscience.

“We all benefit from a campus environment in which we are encouraged to express our opinions through open dialogue,” Strobel said in his message. “Tolerance and mutual respect are bedrock values of our university These principles are essential to our well-being as individuals, as an institution, and as a community.”

Earlier last week, a group of students, through UNITE HERE Local 33, submitted a petition for a representative election to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) office in Hartford. The petition serves as a formal request for a union election that would be conducted and overseen by the NLRB regional director to ensure a fair, inclusive, and democratic election.

Strobel said the university will honor the request to hold an election.

While encouraging graduate and professional school students to take an active role in weighing the issues involved in unionization, Strobel also wanted students to be aware that the outcome of the election “will be binding on you, whether or not you choose to vote.”

Strobel’s message also responded to a request by some community members that Yale “commit to neutrality” during the election process.

In the context of a labor discussion, Strobel noted, neutrality could be understood to mean that faculty members who supervise graduate students should not be permitted to express their views on unionization. “As an institution dedicated to tolerance and open dialogue, it would be inappropriate for Yale to make such a commitment,” Strobel said. “We remain committed to the core principle of free expression. Everyone should have the opportunity to voice their opinion.”

Strobel’s message concluded with a request for civility and respect among all parties as unionization discussions continue.

“As a faculty member, I have taught, mentored, and learned from many Yale students,” said Strobel, who is also the Henry Ford II Professor of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry and professor of Chemistry. “I have found that a defining strength of our university is that we foster an inclusive campus environment, where all students feel valued as integral members of the community. As our campus discusses the important issue of graduate student unionization, I ask that we do so in a civil and respectful manner that promotes a sense of community through discourse and tolerance.”