Our campaign is now public!
Dear union people,
We did it! This weekend, we, the United Student Workers of Berea-CWA, filed with the National Labor Relations Board to hold a union election ASAP. We know we are stronger together and that organizing means winning a real voice. Because we filed, that means we could have an election as soon as a month from now. We are excited to join a surge of other undergraduate workers organizing for a union such as at Grinnell College, the University of Pennsylvania, and more - we are part of a movement and will inspire other student workers to organize. We have a website - Let’s invite all our coworkers to sign the card and Mission Statement if they haven’t already!
This campaign is about ensuring a seat at the table for Berea student workers for the important issues we face - like the need for autonomy, dignity, respect, proper training, accommodations, livable wages, and more. Standing together and having each other’s backs is how we can build the power to win. We’re building a positive campaign based on our Founder’s values with the aim to move the College into deeper alignment with its history and commitment to the dignity of labor. Remember: “It’s not anti-Berea to be pro-union!”
We hope the administration will be true to the College’s values and remain completely neutral as we form our union. That means the administration has no opinion on our union at all and leaves it to us to talk amongst ourselves about this decision. However, they may decide to forgo our College’s Great Commitments and run a misinformation campaign because they’re afraid of us having a voice in our workplace. They may make promises to listen and may even make some improvements in response to our organizing. They could try to paint our union as an outside third party. And they may even try to influence us and interfere with our right to a free and fair election. But the truth is - our vision is positive, the union is us, and we know we are stronger together!
What can you do to help grow our campaign? Make sure all your fellow Berea student workers know to sign a card + the Mission Statement at ucw-cwa.org/berea! Share the website with them. It includes our FAQ and many wonderful photos & quotes from us about why we want a union. Get your red wristband and wear it every day, and plan to start wearing red on Thursdays!
For this week:
- Wear a red union wristband every day!Come to BC&T between 1-4pm tomorrow, Tuesday 3/19, or look for people walking out and about with them.
- Wear a red shirt on Thursdays to show unity!
- Attend a town hall about your union at 6pm on Tuesday, March 26 at the Folk Center. RSVP here!
Together, we will negotiate a contract and build a community that values the contributions of every Berea College student worker, present and future. Let's make some history!
On behalf of the USWB-CWA Organizing Committee,
Andi Mellon, Senior, Student Manager, College Farm
Ellie Lintelman-Nader, First Year, First Year Mentor, CELTS