Gavilan College and the Gavilan Student Workers Union jointly announced that the college has recognized GSWU as the exclusive representative of student worker employees of the Gavilan Joint Community College District.
This is the first time a community college student workers union has been voluntarily recognized in the United States, Gavilan and GSWU said in a statement.
The bargaining unit includes all classifications of student workers, including but not limited to peer tutors, peer mentors and departmental support assignments. GSWU will represent student workers as the exclusive representative in future collective bargaining agreements with the college regarding compensation, benefits and working conditions.
“Having been a student worker myself, I understand the importance of providing good working conditions so that students can have jobs that keep them on campus and allow them to focus on their education without the burden of additional commutes,” said Gavilan College Superintendent and President Dr. Pedro Avila. “On-campus employment significantly boosts student retention by increasing engagement, belonging and institutional identity and fosters better academic performance than off-campus work.
“We are looking forward to working collaboratively with them to maintain Gavilan as a place where both students and employees can thrive.”
GSWU Interim Vice President Payam Barghi said, “We are proud to be the first community college student workers union in the nation, but this victory is bigger than Gavilan. We are the first, not the last, and we hope GSWU serves as a model for student workers across the country and shows them what is possible.”
Prior to the formation of a formal student employee union, there was a developing relationship of collaboration between student workers and college administration, says the statement. Together, they worked to improve conditions for student workers by securing a 17% increase in hourly pay for all student workers, a one-time $480 payment for all eligible student workers and free parking for student workers.
“This is an empowering first step for workers. Not only does it give them the confidence that their voices will be heard, but it paves the way for collaborative work between community colleges and their student workers across the country. It shows everyone involved that student work is real work,” said GSWU Interim President Alyssa De Jesus
GSWU is committed to advancing fair working conditions, meaningful representation and a strong voice for student employees whose work supports the day-to-day life of the college, the joint statement continued.
