The Dartmouth men’s basketball team is making headlines beyond the court as the players fight for their rights in a historic showdown with the school. The team’s union, represented by the Service Employees International Union Local 560, has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Dartmouth for refusing to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the players.
The union argues that Dartmouth’s failure to engage in negotiations not only violates labor laws but also goes against the school’s code of ethics. Union president Chris Peck called on Dartmouth to uphold its tradition of fair bargaining and urged the administration to embrace dialogue with the players.
Earlier this year, the National Labor Relations Board ruled that Dartmouth basketball players are employees of the school, paving the way for them to unionize. In a landslide vote, the players chose to join SEIU Local 560, prompting Dartmouth to take a stand against the unionization efforts.
Dartmouth’s refusal to bargain with the players is seen as a strategic move to push the case into court with hopes of overturning the NLRB decision. The school maintains that the players are students first and foremost, emphasizing its commitment to athletics as part of its academic mission.
As the legal battle unfolds, both sides remain steadfast in their positions. Dartmouth is seeking a review of the NLRB decision, while the players and their union continue to champion for their rights as employees. This clash between academia and athletics showcases the evolving landscape of college sports and the increasing power of student-athletes.
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