About the Episode
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About the Episode:
Higher education unionization is experiencing unprecedented popularity, particularly among graduate student workers, creating new challenges and opportunities for institutions across the country. Ray explores this rapidly evolving landscape with Jennifer Kulbeck, Assistant Provost at Saint Mary's College of California, who brings a decade of experience working with faculty unions, and Matt Cipriano, Associate Dean at Mount Sinai's Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, who recently navigated conversations of a new graduate student union. Their broad reaching conversation covers insights on maintaining productive relationships while balancing institutional needs in this transformative moment for academic labor relations.
Key Takeaways
- Unionization in higher education is growing rapidly. Graduate student union membership has more than doubled since 2012, signaling a major shift in academic labor relations.
- Institutions must be prepared for new administrative complexities. Collective bargaining agreements introduce structured processes that can both limit and enhance institutional decision-making.
- Maintaining strong relationships is crucial. Open communication and collaboration between administrators and union representatives can help prevent adversarial dynamics.
- Higher education leaders must adapt. Institutions need to improve record-keeping, develop clear policies, and prepare for potential operational and financial shifts associated with unionization.
- A strong peer network is essential. Leaders navigating unionization benefit from connecting with colleagues at other institutions to share insights and best practices.
What’s Driving the Surge in Higher Education Unionization?
The academic labor movement has seen significant growth, particularly among graduate students and adjunct faculty. Jen Kohlbeck references a recent report from the National Center for the Study of Collective Bargaining in Higher Education, which highlights a 7% increase in faculty union membership and a dramatic rise in graduate student unions—jumping from 64,000 members in 2012 to over 150,000 in 2024. The increase is largely driven by economic pressures, the need for better working conditions, and a shift in how universities view their workforce.
Matt Cipriano adds that at Mount Sinai, postdoctoral workers unionized in 2022, graduate students followed suit in 2023, and now junior researchers are considering unionization as well. While unionization is growing, it is not without its complexities. Mount Sinai’s graduate students recently withdrew their petition for unionization, showing that these processes can evolve in unexpected ways.
How Are Administrators Responding to Unionization?
Institutions have varied responses to unionization efforts, ranging from openness to resistance. Some leaders see unions as a way to improve working conditions and foster transparency, while others fear the limitations that come with collective bargaining agreements.
Cipriano notes that unions can impose strict guidelines that change how institutions operate. For example, pre-existing informal practices may be replaced by contractual obligations, limiting flexibility for administrators. Kohlbeck emphasizes that a unionized environment requires ongoing education and adaptation. For instance, at St. Mary’s College, seniority plays a major role in course assignments—something that faculty must fully understand and adhere to.
What Are the Biggest Challenges in Negotiating with Unions?
One of the biggest challenges in union negotiations is the adversarial dynamic that often emerges. “It’s easy for both sides to see it as ‘us versus them,’ when in reality, everyone wants the same thing—better working conditions and a thriving institution,” says Cipriano. He explains that negotiations can become contentious when both sides feel strongly about their positions, making compromise difficult.
Kohlbeck agrees, adding that transparency and mutual understanding are key. At times, disagreements stem from simple miscommunication rather than fundamental differences. She recalls instances where faculty at St. Mary’s College assumed that certain policies wouldn’t apply to special programs—only to find out that collective bargaining agreements covered all credit-bearing courses. These situations highlight the importance of ongoing training and clear communication between administrators and faculty.
How Can Higher Education Leaders Prepare for Unionization?
With unionization conversations happening across campuses nationwide, administrators need to be proactive. Kohlbeck stresses the importance of institutional record-keeping, noting that colleges often discover significant data gaps when unionization efforts begin. Having clear, accessible records on employment terms, compensation structures, and other key areas can help institutions navigate negotiations more effectively.
Cipriano highlights the need for cross-department collaboration. Many academic units operate in silos, making it difficult to gather the necessary information for union negotiations. Engaging HR, legal teams, and finance departments early in the process can prevent administrative roadblocks down the line.
Beyond internal preparation, Kohlbeck emphasizes the value of professional networks. “You need peers at other institutions who you can trust and consult,” she says. Given the confidential nature of union discussions, having external colleagues to discuss challenges with can be a crucial support system.
Final Thoughts
Higher education is undergoing a profound transformation as more faculty and student workers seek collective bargaining rights. While unionization presents new challenges for institutions, it also offers an opportunity to improve transparency, strengthen policies, and foster a more collaborative working environment.
For higher ed leaders, the key to navigating this shift lies in preparation, adaptability, and a willingness to engage in open, good-faith conversations with all stakeholders.
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About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
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