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Rep. Jan Schakowsky Statement on Northwestern Football Players Vote on Unionization


Washington, D.C.—(ENEWSPF)—April 24, 2014. On Friday, April 25th, Northwestern Football players will vote whether they would like to join a union in order to bargain collectively with the University.  Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement about the vote:

“I support Northwestern football players’ right to unionize.  These athletes dedicate 40-plus hours a week to their sport, helping to raise millions of dollars for the University each year.  They deserve a seat at the table.

“Earlier this month I had a chance to meet Kain Colter, the former Northwestern quarterback who is leading this fight.  I was incredibly impressed with his candor, his humility, and his commitment to this effort – even after his collegiate career has ended and he cannot directly benefit from the formation of a union at Northwestern. 

“In forming a union, players would be able to stand on an even playing field with the University in negotiating for better health coverage while they are playing for their school and after their careers end, for guaranteed 4-year scholarships, and for a say in practice time and intensity.

“I believe that Northwestern is perhaps the best university in the country at providing its players with a great college experience and preparing them for life after football.  However, with a union the players would have the ability to speak with their own voices.

“To a large extent, I believe the NCAA is to blame for the problems Northwestern players are trying to address.  Some NCAA regulations – which all participating schools are required to abide by – are beyond justification.  For example, the NCAA has limited teams’ ability to provide players with meals. University of Connecticut basketball star Shabazz Napier disclosed before the National Championship game in early April that at times he had gone hungry during his college career. Last week the NCAA finally got rid of this ridiculous regulation. Starting in August, there will be no limits to providing players with meals.  For athletes who bring in millions of revenue for their schools and the NCAA, limiting the food allowance is not only nonsensical, it’s inhumane. If players had a seat at the bargaining table, I believe this issue would have been addressed long ago.

“College athletes deserve a seat at the table in negotiating the terms of their college playing careers.  Northwestern players have an opportunity on April 25 to take an important step in that direction, and I support their efforts to do so.”

Source: Schakowsky.house.gov

 


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