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Updated: Objections Made to Harvard Graduate & Undergraduate Student Unionization Vote


A few weeks ago, I had pointed readers to a unionization election in which Harvard graduate and undergraduate student research and teaching assistants were to decide whether to form a union.  In late December, it was announced that after several challenges had been made to some of the ballots, the announcement of the results of the election would be delayed.  Interesting to note that although the results were "too close to call", it initially appeared that 1,456 students voted "no" while 1,272 voted "yes".  However, since the number of challenged ballots remains great than the margin of vote that decided the election, no official announcement has been made.

On December 30, Harvard student union organizers filed an objection to the election on the grounds that Harvard may have prevented eligible students from participating in the election.  In essence, it has been alleged that the voter list provided by Harvard for the election may have excluded hundreds of eligible voters.  If true, this could result in a new vote taking place.

Not to be outdone, Harvard also filed an objection and pointed to a single vote that was not counted because the voter wrote on the ballot.  Harvard has taken the position that the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") should count this vote.

At this point, the NLRB will hold hearings on the objections, and depending upon the ruling on the objections, a new vote could be conducted.  For those expecting a quick resolution to this one, it looks like we will be waiting for a while longer.  Stay tuned.


For additional information:  http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/12/30/union-organizers-file-objection/

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