Student-athletes could unionize under bill awaiting action in Pa. Senate

Student-athletes at Penn State, Pitt and Temple universities could unionize under legislation sitting in the Senate Education Committee awaiting action.

While Michigan lawmakers in December passed a law forbidding student-athletes from unionizing. Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, wants Pennsylvania to become a national leader in doing just the opposite.

By considering athletes at any of the state's public universities that generate more than $10 million in television revenue as public employees, legislation that Williams introduced would open the door for them to form collective bargaining units and negotiate for pay and benefits.

He points out in a memo to his fellow senators that coaches' pay is soaring and the schools are benefiting from the revenue athletes generate. Yet, he said student athletes are excluded from receiving a slice of the college athletics financial pie.

"My legislation will ensure that student athletes receive a fair and equitable piece of the revenues they generate for everyone else," the memo states. His bill drew only two other co-sponsors, both Democrats - Sens. Judy Schwank of Berks County and Matt Smith of Allegheny County.

Williams, who introduced a similar measure in the last legislative session, was not available for comment on Thursday to discuss the bill further. It remains unclear whether the Senate Education Committee plans to consider it.

Meanwhile, his legislation is not winning the support of Pitt officials, who don't believe unionization is an appropriate action for college athletes.

"We do believe 'student-athlete' means our athletes are students first, athletes second and we don't think unionization, especially enforcement outside the university, is the way to go," vice chancellor Ken Service said.

He noted however, that Pitt, in working with the Atlantic Coast Conference, has agreed to begin providing $3,300 stipends to scholarship athletes, beginning next fall, to help cover incidentals and other costs of going to college beyond their room, board and tuition.

Officials at Penn State and Temple say they are reviewing the language of the bill to determine its impact. Temple's associate vice president Ray Betzner added that they "look forward to working with Senator Williams on the issue."

Kenn Marshall, a spokesman for the State System, said officials there are uncertain what, if any, sections of Williams' proposal applies to their schools since none have revenues that cross the $10 million threshold in television revenue.

In his memo, Williams suggested athletes should have the same rights as graduate students at Pennsylvania colleges who are allowed to unionize to bargain for improved working conditions and fair wages.

In Illinois, Northwestern University's football team earlier this year sought to unionize after a National Labor Relations Board in Chicago determined they qualified as university employees.

Northwestern asked the labor board to review that decision, saying critical testimony was overlooked and incorrect legal standards were applied. The board has not yet issued a final ruling. The NCAA is opposing the move, saying it undermines the purpose of college, which is to receive an education.

In addition to allowing athletes at certain universities to unionize, Williams bill would:

Require schools with television revenues over $10 million annually to provide comprehensive medical insurance coverage to student-athletes beyond the NCAA-mandated minimum catastrophic insurance.

Make those schools provide an academic scholarship equal to the player's athletic scholarship if a player loses the ability to play due to injury.

Allow a student-athlete to retain the rights to use his or her name and likeness for any purpose not directly related to the team, the school, or an athletic association.

Source: Penn Live