The National Labor Relations Board in Chicago has ruled that football players at Northwestern University are employees and can unionize, the school said Wednesday.
The ruling has not yet been posted to the National Labor Relations Board website, but in a statement, Northwestern acknowledged the ruling and says it plans to appeal.
The players’ petition was a way to get a seat at the bargaining table in college sports and could change the landscape of the NCAA model.
The athletes have said they’re seeking better medical coverage, concussion testing, four-year scholarships and the possibility of being paid.
"Now, more than ever, the illusions of division threaten our very existence. We all know the truth: more connects us than separates us. But in times of crisis the wise build bridges, while the foolish build barriers. We must find a way to look after one another as if we were one single tribe.” -King T'Challa, Black Panther
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it. ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. ~Winston Churchill
I could see a lot of colleges using this as an excuse to shut down athletic programs, especially money losing ones.
But this could be a great way for players to improve conditions for themselves, no more three-a-days, better helmet and safety equipment, and better conditions.
Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, just trade-offs.
