Dartmouth basketball players abandon union efforts amid shifting NLRB

In late December 2023, the Dartmouth College men's basketball team made the decision to cease their unionization efforts. This decision was driven by concerns about the impending control of a Republican-majority National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which was anticipated under the newly elected presidential administration. The players, who had been seeking recognition as employees and the rights that come with it, faced a challenging environment created by the school's refusal to bargain and the likely unfavorable conditions posed by the labor board. The union effort originally started when the players, feeling that Dartmouth exerted significant control over their schedules and working conditions, petitioned the NLRB for the right to unionize. In March, the team voted overwhelmingly in favor of unionizing, with a 13-2 ballot, thereby achieving a significant milestone as the first certified bargaining unit of college athletes in the United States. However, as they prepared to negotiate, the NLRB's political landscape was shifting and creating apprehension about potential outcomes. The Service Employees International Union Local 560, which had been representing the players, withdrew their NLRB petition days before the change in board leadership was expected. Leaders of the union expressed a commitment to continue advocating for better working conditions, compensation, and health coverage for varsity athletes, despite the current setback. The abrupt termination of the unionization efforts could have significant implications for college athletics’ labor landscape, particularly given that similar attempts in the past, such as the Northwestern football team, faced considerable challenges and ultimately failed. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the discussion regarding college athletes' status as employees, a debate that continues to evolve. The NCAA, which classifies athletes merely as 'student-athletes,' may face increasing pressure for re-evaluation of its amateur model as public opinion shifts and legal challenges mount. Many recognize that this scenario may have wider implications not only for Dartmouth's program but also for collegiate sports across the nation, where the amateur status of athletes has often been contested. Following the withdrawal of the petition, Chris Peck, the president of SEIU Local 560, noted the historic efforts made by the Dartmouth players and reiterated their ongoing commitment to pressing for changes that would address the challenges faced by college athletes. The situation underscores the complexities involved in navigating labor rights and the legal interpretations behind the employment status of college athletes, an evolving narrative that reflects broader societal and economic trends recognized nationwide.