Editor’s note: A previous version of this story contained inaccurate information from a source. Berea College does NOT currently have a student union and there is an ongoing case with the ongoing National Labor Relations Board.
The United Campus Workers (UCW) is a wall-to-wall, national union that involves all members of a university’s workforce. The Murray State chapter strives to make the University’s mission statement a reality. The union consists of University faculty, staff and student workers.
Ray Horton, member of Murray’s Chapter UCW, said it’s all about the impact made on the community.
“It’s that emphasis on our commitment to the region…the impact Murray State has on the wider community–like, we’re really, really all about that,” he said. “We really agree with that. Campus working conditions are student learning conditions. If you’ve got faculty who you haven’t been able to replace—retiring faculty members—that’s impacting the courses that we can offer.”
He also said if the staff are constantly outsourced to third-party contractors then it affects the level of investment in the institution, which then affects the student’s experience and the integrity of the programs.
This semester, the union’s goal is simple: gain more members, particularly among student workers and staff.
Horton described the staff as underpaid, easy to cut, and “perceived as disposable” despite making the university “functional.” He said the entire English department wouldn’t function without its administrative assistants.
He said student workers should be recognized for their contribution, recognizing their potential to be the most active members in a union, mentioning the recent labor win for student workers at Berea College, which formed a union against “the poor working conditions on campus.”
“Student workers are the most militant,” Horton said.
Horton said he believes most student issues will never be resolved without organizing a cooperative effort like Berea College’s student union.
Eve Jacobson, alumna, said the purpose of a union is to advocate for workers.
“The union advocates for worker’s rights on campus and fights for better working conditions,” she said. “Many students think they won’t be heard, when in reality, student voices actually have a tremendous amount of power.”
She discussed a labor victory last year at the University of Kentucky, where campus workers organized and earned a $15-an-hour minimum wage and a 2022 UCW rally that consisted mainly of student workers.
“(They) testified about issues ranging from unsafe working conditions to workplace sexual harassment being ignored by upper management,” Jacobson said. “There are a variety of serious problems…and the UCW’s responsibility is to ensure that students have access to safe working conditions.”
Brian Bourke and Eleanor Rivera, members of Murray’s Chapter, said the UCW is interested in a “true shared governance” that would allow the University’s workers a democratic opportunity to voice concern, criticize negative policies and advocate for change. Another interest is the very matter of compensation; fair wages for workers to catch up with the rising inflation and cost of living, a cause for a recent uptick in membership.
“No one should have to accept stagnate or low wages,”. Bourke said.
The union also wants the role of an impartial person who can resolve conflicts. Someone who can “help individuals navigate formal processes, including grievance procedures, as they can be murky,” otherwise known as an ombudsperson.
Furthermore, with increasing membership, the union’s focus becomes clear, especially if there are more members in every department.
“The goals we work toward are determined by members,” Bourke said. “As membership grows, goals and perspectives shift.”
The UCW ultimately intends to protect its workers and to demonstrate strength for the university rather than be a small concentration in an institution. The union also gets involved at the state level against legislation such as anti-tenure and course restriction bills 24RS House Bill 228 and Senate Bill 6.
“We’re not a majority yet, but we’re a force to be reckoned with,” said Horton.
For students interested in joining a union, Rivera said don’t be afraid to ask questions.
“Asking questions or raising concerns doesn’t make you less dedicated to your job,” said Rivera. “For me, it means you are someone who cares about your coworkers, who is invested in their success and who recognizes that a variety of voices at the table makes us stronger.”
The UCW will have its first meeting of the year on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 5 p.m. It will be held in St. John’s Episcopal Church, located at 1620 Main St., Murray, KY 42071.
