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WIBC - Indiana Congressmen Question Northwestern Athletes' Bid to Unionize

News Article

Date: May 8, 2014
Issues: Labor Unions Arts, Entertainment, and History

By Eric Berman

The House Education Committee signaled its view of Northwestern's collective bargaining request with the title of a Thursday hearing: "Big Labor on College Campuses." Representative Susan Brooks (R-5th), whose daughter played soccer at Xavier, questions the argument that college athletes need someone to speak for them on issues from concussions to meal rules. She says parents, university presidents, the NCAA's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, and representatives of the athletic conferences all fill that role.

Representative Todd Rokita (R-4th) says if players can unionize, they can strike, and questions whether they could then be locked out of dorms or classes.

A regional National Labor Relations Board granted the Northwestern players' request for collective bargaining rights. The university is appealing the decision to the full board. Rokita says the ruling uses the National Labor Relations Act in a way that was never intended.

Republicans Larry Bucshon (R-8th) and Luke Messer (R-6th) also serve on the committee.


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