Dartmouth Men's Basketball Players Continue Fight for Collective Bargaining Despite Landmark Pay Agreement

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
25/05/2024 23h12

In a landmark agreement between the NCAA and a class of current and former college athletes, students have achieved a significant victory as they will now be paid through a revenue-sharing model, pending judicial approval. However, labor activists and legislators anticipate that the push to unionize student athletes will not cease, even after this settlement, which amounts to a staggering $2.7 billion.

The pressure from labor activists and legislators played a crucial role in reaching this settlement, with the lawsuit highlighting the fact that student athletes generate over a billion dollars in annual revenue. Despite this achievement, the Dartmouth College men's basketball players, who successfully organized under the SEIU Local 560, are intensifying their efforts to secure a collective bargaining agreement.

Chris Peck, President of the SEIU Local 560, criticized the settlement, stating that it reinforces their case against the NCAA and Dartmouth for perpetuating a disguised form of employment. While the agreement addresses the demand for compensation, it does not fully address the concerns of the union, particularly the classification of student athletes as employees.

Notably, an NLRB ruling provided a significant boost to Dartmouth's push for unionization by identifying the athletes as employees, citing the college's "right to control the work performed" under their agreements. Organizers recognize the significance of the settlement but stress that bargaining agreements, in addition to pay structures, are necessary to protect the rights of student athletes within their workplace.

Attorneys representing the larger class of NCAA students expressed their satisfaction with the landmark settlement, emphasizing that it will finally allow athletes to receive a fair share of the billions of dollars they generate for their schools. Steve Berman, the attorney for the student athletes, hailed the agreement as a step towards modernization in college sports, ensuring equitable compensation for their extraordinary athletic talents.

While NCAA lobbyists previously urged Congress to exempt them from antitrust laws, it remains uncertain if they will continue this push given the recent settlement. Union organizers believe that the solution lies in NCAA member universities adhering to the same antitrust and labor laws that apply to other institutions.

As the fight for collective bargaining rights continues, the Dartmouth men's basketball players stand as a testament to the ongoing struggle faced by student athletes across the nation. Their determination to secure their rights within the workplace serves as a beacon for the larger movement seeking fair treatment and equitable compensation.

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