Student Employee Unionization

In December 2024, Macalester worked with the Macalester Undergraduate Workers’ Union (“MUWU”) and the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) to reach an agreement regarding an election to determine whether student employees wish to be represented by MUWU.

Under the terms of that agreement, an election will be held on Tuesday, February 25, and Wednesday, February 26, in the Harmon Room in the Library. The polls will be open between 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. on both days.

Below is some basic information to help our community understand how unionization works.

Student Employee Unionization FAQs

What is a union?
A union is an organization that represents a group of employees for purposes of engaging in collective bargaining with an employer. A union charges its members fees (i.e. union dues) in exchange for representing them, typically as a percentage of your earnings.

What is collective bargaining?
Collective bargaining is the process whereby a labor union negotiates with an employer to determine the employment terms and conditions (e.g., wages, working hours, etc.) for the represented employees. The end goal is a collective bargaining agreement (“CBA”) that outlines and memorializes the agreements reached.

Who is eligible to vote in the MUWU election?
Student employees who are 1) enrolled as undergraduate students at Macalester College, and 2) employed by Macalester College as regular part-time employees. The group of eligible voters does not include students working in an entirely externally grant-funded position; former students who are no longer enrolled at Macalester; students who are no longer employees of Macalester; or students employed by Macalester who solely work off-campus.

Does my vote matter?
Yes. Under federal labor law, in order to be certified as the exclusive representative of Macalester’s student employees, MUWU would need to receive at least 50% plus one of the votes actually cast in the election. For example, this means that if there are 1,000 eligible voters, but only 300 student employees vote, it would take 151 “yes” votes for MUWU to win the election. We strongly encourage you to exercise your right to vote and have a say in whether or not student employees should unionize.  

Will anyone know how I voted?
The election will be conducted via secret ballot, which means that no one will know how you vote—including MUWU and Macalester—unless you choose to tell someone.

If I already signed a union authorization card, does that mean I have to vote in favor of the union in an election?
No. Each employee is entitled to vote yes or no regardless of whether they previously signed a union authorization card. Additionally, a student employee can still vote “no” on election day even if they attended union meetings, signed a document stating they would vote “yes,” or promised to vote “yes.”

Can an election result in favor of the union be changed later?
Once voted in, it is complicated to vote a union out. While “decertification” votes do happen, they are rare and subject to restrictive rules under the NLRB. 

Can individual student employees opt out of union representation?
No. If the outcome of the vote is in favor of unionization, all eligible student employees would be represented by the union and subject to the terms and conditions of employment in the collective bargaining agreement (once an agreement is negotiated). 

Can MUWU guarantee better wages, benefits, or working conditions for student employees?
No. There are no guarantees. Wages, benefits, and working conditions would be subject to negotiation during the collective bargaining process.  

How long does it take to negotiate an initial contract between a new union and an employer?
It is common for initial contract negotiations to take more than one year.

What if I have more questions?
If you have questions about the election or your rights as a student employee, please email [email protected].

When is the election scheduled?
February 25 and February 26, 2025 from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–7 p.m. Voting will take place in the Harmon Room in the Library.