Earlier this year New York University saw a four-year organization effort pay off: the Contract Faculty United of New York University (CFU-NYU) won its union election with 89% in favor. As it happens, unions tend to be contagious. Just a few hours ago today NYU's resident assistants announced that they were forming a union and that a majority of assistants had signed on to join the union effort. They're organizing as SWAN—Student Workers At NYU.
NYU's resident assistants have a multitude of reasons for unionizing, including alleged inconsistencies in (or total absence of) training for the role; losing their financial aid due to taking the role; alleged late payments and reimbursements for their work; and inconsistent housing arrangements between resident assistants. In addition—because assistants are classified as paraprofessionals and not employees—the processes and protections they have are opaque. Assistants have reported a lack of clear disciplinary procedures or protections from harassment. They have little recourse over their hours or assignments.
In addition to those issues, they also have a number of demands they're hoping to address: in their first union contract, they'll be seeking "a set stipend per semester as compensation for the role (including additional pay for holiday RA@Home shifts); flexibility for meal compensation on RA@Home shifts and throughout the academic year; compensation for any incurred travel costs due to scheduling; [and] no change to financial aid (including work-study) due to acceptance of the role."
They'll be delivering their petition for recognition to NYU tomorrow at 11:30am ET, in the Bobst Library (70 Washington Square).