Resolution - ULTRA — File 22-1931

WHEREAS: As of November 9th, 2022, a growing supermajority of student workers employed at Tufts University's Office of Resident Life & Learning have signed union authorization cards indicating their intention to join OPEIU Local 153 as part of the United Labor of Tufts Resident Assistants (ULTRA); and WHEREAS: Resident Assistants at Tufts University have taken on vital work to ensure compliance with the institution’s COVID-19 policies with no additional hazard pay; and WHEREAS: Residents Assistants currently receive no pay for their work beyond a room credit, despite having to attend 80 hours of unpaid training; and WHEREAS: A significant portion of Resident Assistants are people of color and low-income first-generation college students who are compelled to take on this position to afford room and board while often having to take on second or third jobs; and WHEREAS: Wesleyan University voluntarily recognized an undergraduate student union earlier this year, becoming the first university in the country to voluntarily do so; and WHEREAS: Somerville’s City Council supports and encourages the growing tide of unionization among workers of all kind, including student workers; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports ULTRA in their efforts to form a union to collectively bargain for good wages and working conditions and calls upon Tufts University to voluntarily recognize their unit.