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.

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.