Dartmouth Basketball Players File Complaint Against School

The union representing the Dartmouth men’s basketball team has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Ivy League institution, alleging that the school has refused to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement. The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 560, which also represents other workers at Dartmouth, claims this refusal violates labor law and the school’s own ethical standards. Union president Chris Peck emphasized the need for Dartmouth to demonstrate leadership and engage in dialogue, urging the administration to avoid potential financial and legal repercussions. In March, a regional director of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruled that the men’s basketball players are considered employees of Dartmouth, allowing them to unionize. Following this ruling, the players voted overwhelmingly to join SEIU Local 560. However, Dartmouth announced it would not engage in negotiations, a strategy aimed at challenging the NLRB decision in court. The school stated that it is exploring all legal options to contest the ruling, which it believes contradicts established legal precedents. Dartmouth's refusal to negotiate marks a significant departure from its historical approach to labor relations, as the school seeks judicial review of the NLRB's decision. The administration maintains that the ruling mischaracterizes the relationship between the school and its student-athletes, asserting that the commitment to athletics aligns with its academic mission. While the NLRB's decision currently applies only to the men’s basketball team, the players hope their actions will inspire similar movements among other teams at Dartmouth and across the nation. The ongoing dispute highlights the evolving landscape of college athletics and the push for greater rights and recognition for student-athletes.