Dartmouth basketball team drops effort to unionize ahead of NLRB control

The Dartmouth College men’s basketball team voluntarily ended its attempt to unionize on Tuesday, Dec. 31, to avoid a damaging precedent from a Republican-controlled National Labor Relations Board. Lawyers for Service Employees International Union Local 560 withdrew their NLRB petition to avoid the unfavorable labor board.

“While our strategy is shifting, we will continue to advocate for just compensation, adequate health coverage, and safe working conditions for varsity athletes at Dartmouth,” Chris Peck, president of SEIU Local 560, told The Associated Press.

The Dartmouth players petitioned the NLRB in 2023, claiming the school controlled their schedules and working conditions, meeting the legal definition of employees.

Dartmouth previously stated it would refuse to bargain with the players, aiming to force the case into federal court.