Penn State graduate assistants are set to vote in a unionization election to decide whether a majority supports union representation, per an order from the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board (PLRB).

The vote stems from graduate assistants who are seeking recognition as employees with the right to collectively bargain over wages, benefits, and working conditions.

“The university deeply values the contributions of our graduate students. We also believe graduate students are students, first and foremost, at Penn State to pursue an advanced education and research training. The institution remains committed to supporting the academic journey, professional growth, and well-being of students who are integral to the university’s scholarly mission,” Penn State Executive Vice President and Provost Fotis Sotiropoulos said in a press release.

The outcome of the election is determined by a simple majority. The process will be conducted confidentially by ballot.

The university encourages all eligible voters to participate in the election in order to properly reflect the wishes of the entire graduate assistant population at Penn State. Once a union is certified, it becomes the exclusive representative for all graduate assistants unless later decertified.

The university notes that unionization could hinder flexibility and limit direct communication between administrators and graduate students on collective bargaining-related topics. 

“We recognize the decision to unionize is a personal one. The impact of this election will be significant, and we urge all graduate assistants to educate themselves on the implications and, importantly, to vote,” Sotiropoulos added.

Currently, Penn State provides stipends, health coverage, academic resources, and wellness services as part of graduate assistants’ included funding packages.

University Park graduate assistants can vote in person from Monday, October 27, through Wednesday, October 29, in the Dewey Room (W043) of the Pattee Library. Voters can cast ballots between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any of those days. University Park graduate assistants can only vote in person.

For further information regarding voting eligibility, the election process, and what unionization could entail, folks can visit the Graduate Student Union FAQs page or the Grad Facts website. Additional questions can be directed to the PLRB or [email protected].