United Student Workers of Berea-Communications Workers of America/CWA filed a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board on March 16, 2024. Our undergraduate workers are looking forward to having an election this semester. Our website can be found at: https://ucwkentucky.org/berea.
Jonathan Campbell, CWA legislative political coordinator, is urging political leaders to write and phone Berea College President Nixon and "ask her to remain neutral and respect the organizing process."
Letters may be sent by email to nixonc@berea.edu Her phone number is 859-985-3520.
Campbell has also provided a template for your letter. Please copy him at jraycam@yahoo.com and let him know you took action.
If you are a union leader or supporter, you are invited to sign the community support petition. Your solidarity and support are much appreciated!
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On office letterhead, CC: jraycam@yahoo.com
Dear President Nixon,
I write today to express my wholehearted support for the student employees at Berea College who have chosen to form a union with the Communications Workers of America. Undergraduate students around the country are making history by organizing unions. Given that so many Berea students are the first in their family to attend college and grew up in low-income households in Kentucky or other Appalachian communities, it is essential that they receive the same protections and benefits of their unionized counterparts at liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts and New York.
The United Student Workers of Berea (USWB-CWA) have extended an invitation to the Berea administration to partner with them in this historic effort, remain neutral leading up to their election, and bargain in good faith. I know that you are an ardent supporter of a progressive system of higher education in Kentucky. I was heartened by your comments this summer in light of the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. You noted that Berea was founded on the principle of equality, and that it is the institution’s duty to ensure that the founding vision not only endures, but thrives. Labor unions are foundational to the fight for equality in all its forms. It is my hope that you will show your unwavering support for the principle of equality by remaining neutral and negotiating in good faith.
Berea College is vital to Kentucky’s economic and civic health and so are the student employees whose labor makes it all possible. Your favorable consideration to support their cause would be very much appreciated.
Sincerely,