Basketball Team's Union Vote Ignites National Debate
Imagine a sleepy summer at Dartmouth College. Students lounge by the Connecticut River, explore the mountains, or unwind with a game of beer pong. But last summer, a group of sophomores on the basketball team had a different plan: revolutionize college sports.
From Dorm Room Discussions to Bargaining Rights
While their peers reveled in summer freedom, these young athletes witnessed a surge of student activism on campus. Witnessing the powerof collective action, they pondered a radical idea: forming a union for the basketball team.
Ivy League Team Takes on the NCAA
Dartmouth basketball may not be a powerhouse, but their fight for player rights has become a national spectacle. By voting 13-2 to join the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), they've challenged the NCAA's century-old claim of athletes as "student-athletes," not employees.
From Campus Activists to Baseball Legends
The players' journey is a testament to improbable partnerships. A student activist, a passionate athlete, a retired pro player, the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and seasoned union representatives – this unlikely coalition united for a historic change. Their plan now awaits a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decision that could reshape college athletics.
College Pushes Back
Dartmouth vehemently opposes the unionization, vowing to fight the NLRB decision all the way to the Supreme Court. They argue that Ivy League athletes differ significantly from those in lucrative Power Five conferences. The NCAA echoes these concerns, fearing a domino effect that could cripple college sports.
A Spark Ignites
The movement's roots lie surprisingly close to home: the campus cafeteria. Before the basketball team's actions, student workers successfully negotiated a contract with significant pay raises and improved working conditions through their own union.
Solidarity Takes Hold
One of the student workers, Cade Haskins, a member of the basketball team, saw a parallel between himself and his teammates. Witnessing the dining workers' success, he envisioned similar possibilities for athletes. "We saw the change this can have," Haskins said, emphasizing collective action.
Building a Movement
Dartmouth's unique academic calendar forced many students to remain on campus during the summer. This provided a perfect opportunity for Haskins and his teammates to brainstorm. They reached out to Scott, the student activist, for guidance, and held team-wide discussions, fostering a strong sense of unity.
A Former Player Steps Up
Walter Palmer, a retired NBA draft pick and former Dartmouth player, played a crucial role. His experience forming players' associations overseas and working at his alma mater connected the team with Tony Clark, the MLBPA's executive director.
From Minor Leaguers to Ivy Hoopsters
Clark's recent success negotiating a landmark contract for minor league baseball players resonated with the Dartmouth team. He emphasized the power of collective bargaining and the importance of solidarity. He pointed out the similarities between athletes: intense training, large audiences, and limited control over working conditions.
A Union Man Steps Up
Chris Peck, president of the local SEIU chapter, was initially surprised by the basketball team's request. But Peck and union lawyer Jake Krupski readily agreed to support the players' cause. They argued that the players' dedicated practices and controlled schedules define them as employees.
Defining "Employee"
Dartmouth argued that the players lacked standard monetary compensation, disqualifying them as employees. However, the NLRB regional director considered benefits like shoes and game tickets as forms of compensation, allowing the players to proceed with a union election.
The Dartmouth basketball team made history. Their actions could pave the way for widespread changes in the way college athletes are treated, sparking a national debate about athlete compensation and rights.
