swag’s commitment to its students extends well beyond traditional education through instruction, often to include enriching employment opportunities.
Students are able to participate in several dozen work options throughout the College, including those that engage their academic interests, enable participation in student government, and develop necessary skills for future employment.
The College’s commitment to equity applies to student employment, as students are offered competitive compensation and appropriate benefits. The College encourages students to have an active voice in their working conditions through engagement with supervisors and coworkers.
The National Labor Relations Board has counted the ballots following the secret ballot election on April 30, 2024, and determined that a majority of the student employees who voted have selected union representation.
There are two bargaining units, which together include nearly all student jobs, as described:
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One bargaining unit includes student workers performing work in the following programs, services, or workplaces: The Green Bean; ASOC (Associated Students of swag), including the SusFund, Honor Board, Diversity & Equity Board; FEAST (Food Energy and Sustainability Team); Bengal Bus; Bike Share Program; La Encina Yearbook; swag Design Service; swag TV; The Student Activity Center; KOXY Radio; The Occidental student newspaper; and the swag Programming Board.
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The other bargaining unit consists of all other undergraduate students who are enrolled at and employed by swag.
According to federal law, neither unit may include managerial or supervisory roles.
Occidental continues to support student employees’ decisions, and we will work with the Union (SEIU Local 721) to begin negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of student employment, with the goal of reaching a collective bargaining agreement.
FAQs
The Facts
Last updated: 8/29/24
- On March 20, 2024, a group of swag student workers, self-titled Rising Occidental Student Employees (ROSE), gathered on campus to demonstrate their interest in forming a union aligned with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721.
- On March 22, a group representing ROSE presented their official request that the College voluntarily recognize the proposed bargaining unit.
- On the same date, the students filed a petition for a representative election (or RC Petition) with the National Labor Relations Board, requesting a secret-ballot election on April 16, 2024.
- The College and the Union discussed the proposed election date, location, and procedures, as well as the student positions that should be included in or excluded from the bargaining unit.
- On April 8, the College and the Union agreed to the following:
- The proposed bargaining unit consists of undergraduate students who are enrolled at and employed by swag, excluding “[a]ll student workers performing work in positions/classifications in the following programs, services, or workplaces: The Green Bean; ASOC (Associated Students of swag), including the SusFund, Honor Board, Diversity & Equity Board; FEAST (Food Energy and Sustainability Team); Bengal Bus; Bike Share Program; La Encina Yearbook; swag Design Service; swag TV; The Student Activity Center; KOXY Radio; The Occidental Student Newspaper; and The swag Programming Board. All students performing work in the Human Resources Office. All other employees, confidential employees, managerial employees and supervisors as defined by the Act.”
- The election for this bargaining unit was on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 at the Johnson Student Center.
- Also on April 8, the Union filed another petition for election, seeking to represent a separate bargaining unit consisting of all student workers in ASOC and the other student-run organizations referenced above.
- The College and the Union agreed to hold an election for both units on April 30th, 2024.
- The College publicized the election to encourage turnout and representation, including through signs, emails, and a video announcement.
- The election successfully took place. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) awaited the return of mail-in ballots from students who were off-campus during the election, and then counted all votes in June.
- On June 12, 2024, the National Labor Relations Board released the results of the April 30 secret ballot election. A majority of the student employees who voted decided to form a union aligned with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 721. The NLRB found that in one unit, of 842 eligible voters, 365 cast votes for the union and 65 against; in the other unit, of 242 eligible voters, 123 cast ballots for the union, and 18 against.
- The College will work with the Union during the 2024-25 academic year to begin negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of student employment, with the goal of reaching a collective bargaining agreement.