We, the student workers at Berea College, are committed to building a more equitable, democratic, and worker-oriented environment that values our labor and puts the safety and well-being of the worker first. As individuals, we have found little success advocating for ourselves or the improvement of our labor conditions. To achieve our collective vision, we are organizing with the United Campus Workers of Kentucky-Communications Workers of America. We strive to uphold the democratic tradition pursued by our founder John G. Fee as well as Berea College’s Fourth Great Commitment: “to honor the dignity and utility of all work, mental and manual.”

Berea College works because we do. Our College was built through the labor of the student workers before us and our labor continues to sustain and grow our institution. From erecting the buildings on campus to working in all 110 departments, student workers have ensured Berea College’s stability and success since 1855. However, our work and contributions to Berea College have been undervalued. Therefore, we assert that the following should be among the rights of all Berea College student workers:

• A formal grievance system to resolve workplace issues in a timely manner with union representation.

• Wages that enable all students to afford basic necessities and have financial security post-graduation.

• Negotiable job contracts with clear guidelines, expectations, and agreed-upon hours and scheduling.

• Training programs, specific to each labor position, that cover all information necessary to perform our jobs as well as adequate resources to ensure safe working conditions in every workplace.

• Accommodations for students with differences in ability that support their growth and success in the workplace.

• Enforcement of the College’s policies prohibiting harassment and discrimination in the workplace.

• Full-time employee staffing that meets the needs of each department and enables labor supervisors to be consistent, clear, and intentional with student workers.

• Opportunities for leadership and skill development in every workplace so that student workers’ positions contribute to their professional growth.

Our vision is one of collaboration and empowerment, where every student worker has the support and resources they need to thrive, not just survive, at Berea College. We believe student workers will not see the changes they need until they have a seat at the decision-making table. We recognize that our labor is essential to the success of our institution. We are committed to achieving our autonomy, dignity, and respect. Together, we will negotiate a contract and build a community that values the contributions of every Berea College student worker, present and future.