
To the Hamilton Community,
The union election for admission tour guides and senior fellows takes place on Friday. As noted in earlier messages, Hamilton fully supports the right of any workers to choose what they believe is best for them. However, the College wants students to have all the facts, to think through the issues carefully, and to make a well-informed individual choice. In that spirit, Hamilton prepared a list of FAQs [hamilton.edu/unionfaq] to provide clear and accurate information about the election.
Claims that the College has not complied with the rules governing union elections are simply not true. Here are some specifics.
Did Hamilton grant a pay raise to admission workers after the union petition was filed?
The process to increase student pay in the Admission Office was begun before the petition was filed, something that is well documented. It is entirely permissible and appropriate for employers to follow through on pre-planned actions and well-established patterns and practices.
Is Hamilton permitted to talk with student workers about the union?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to provide student workers with information, to articulate the College’s position on the issues, and to answer questions so students can make an informed decision. It would be a strange election process if only one side was allowed to express its views.
It has also been suggested that the College did not consult with tour guides before resuming tours last spring. This also is simply not true. The College did consult with the tour guides and offered those who were not comfortable conducting tours substitute work options.
I hope this helps clarify any confusion about the College’s policies and what is permitted.
Sincerely,
Steve Stemkoski
Director of Human Resources