HARRISBURG, PA – April 21, 2026 − State Senator John I. Kane (Delaware/Chester) announced that he and his Senate Democratic colleagues are calling on Penn State University leadership to respect the wishes of graduate assistants and continue negotiations in good faith following their overwhelming vote to unionize.
In a joint letter sent to Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi, board chair David Kleppinger, and board members Senator Kane and his colleagues called on the university to end its ongoing legal challenges and recognize the inclusion of research assistants in collective bargaining.
“Graduate assistants at Penn State made their voices heard loud and clear through a fair and transparent process by voting overwhelmingly to unionize,” said Senator Kane. “As someone who has always sided with organized labor, I urge Penn State to do the right thing; respect this decision and come to the table to negotiate a fair contract in good faith.”
Unionization efforts, overseen by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board, resulted in an overwhelming 90 percent vote in favor of union representation. The newly formed union, the Penn State-UAW Graduate Employees Coalition, reflects a growing movement of graduates organizing for fair pay, better working conditions and a stronger voice in the workplace.
“Penn State has a chance to lead here,” Kane said. “Holding the end of negotiations is the right thing to do for workers, students and the standards of our Commonwealth. I have always been a supporter of unions and always will be. When workers stand up and organize, they deserve respect, not resistance.”
Senators who joined Senator Kane in the letter include:
Lisa M. Boscola (D-8), Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17), Maria Collett (D-12), Carolyn T. Comitta (D-19), Marty Flynn (D-22), Wayne D. Fontana (D-42), Art Haywood (D-4), Vincent J. Hughes (D-7), Timothy P. Kearney (D-26), James Andrew Malone (D-36), Nick Miller (D-14), Katie J. Muth (D-44), Nick Pisciottano (D-45), Steven J. Santarsiero (D-10), Nikil Saval (D-1), Judith L. Schwank (D-11), Sharif Street (D-3), Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2) and Lindsey M. Williams (D-38).
###
Loading…
