SEIU Bosses Plan Strike at NY Medical College One Day Before Graduation
Union officials with 1199SEIU have called a strike of facilities and clerical workers at New York Medical College (NYMC) to begin just one day before the school’s graduation ceremony—a move that threatens to disrupt campus operations and overshadow one of the most important milestones for students and their families.
Despite ongoing negotiations and continued engagement by college officials, union bosses have chosen to pursue confrontation instead of resolution. In a statement, a spokesperson for NYMC emphasized the college’s efforts to resolve the dispute in good faith:
“We remain engaged in ongoing negotiations with 1199SEIU, representing facilities and clerical union workers at the College, and continue to participate in scheduled bargaining sessions… We are hopeful that discussions will lead to a mutually acceptable agreement.”
The college also reaffirmed its broader mission and its focus on stability and service to students during a critical time:
“New York Medical College is committed to advancing laboratory research on the causes, prevention, and treatment of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious health conditions… We remain fully committed to providing a supportive environment for our students and ensuring the smooth continuation of campus life.”
Yet, instead of honoring that commitment to students—particularly those preparing to graduate—union officials have chosen to turn a moment of celebration into an opportunity for disruption. This kind of pressure tactic is increasingly common as union operatives seek to force institutions into last-minute concessions by exploiting high-profile events.
It’s worth remembering that workers are not required to follow union strike orders. Public employees, including those at NYMC, have the right to resign their union membership at any time, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Janus v. AFSCME decision. By resigning, they free themselves from the obligation to pay dues or participate in union-led political activity, including disruptive strikes.
Those who choose to continue supporting students and campus operations during this critical time have every right to do so, and their decision deserves respect, not union retaliation. NYMC’s commitment to its students and mission stands in contrast to union officials’ decision to inject instability and politics into a celebratory academic occasion.
Source: Daily Voice
For more information on your rights as an employee regarding unions, visit Know Your Rights.
