In a dramatic turn of events, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has unanimously decided that Student-Athletes at Northwestern University do not have the right to organize themselves and form a union. This decision overturns an opinion issued by the NLRB last year that athletes at Northwestern (and, presumably, at other private institutions of higher learning) would be able to unionize if they chose to do so. Predictably, the reactions to this morning’s ruling varied dramatically, depending upon the perspective of the author, as seen in the tweets below.
NLRB Reverses Field: Northwestern Athletes Cannot Unionize
The NCAA is quite pleased with this recent development:
The NLRB's decision to reject jurisdiction and dismiss the union petition in the Northwestern case is appropriate. pic.twitter.com/5Ar0ZqMPnt
— NCAA (@NCAA) August 17, 2015
Conversely, a passionate, long-time supporter of student-athletes receiving fair market value for their efforts is clearly and demonstrably upset by this morning’s decision.
Will have piece up soon hopefully titled "The Absurd, Cowardly, And Morally Bankrupt NLRB Decision Against The Northwestern Football Union."
— Dave Zirin (@EdgeofSports) August 17, 2015
We will keep up with this story as it develops, given its significance in the constantly-evolving business of intercollegiate athletics.
