Staff and Faculty Unionization Efforts in Private Higher Education, 2007–2023

Labor organizing efforts grew following the COVID-19 pandemic in American higher education institutions. This research brief examines unionization trends at private colleges and universities from 2007 through 2023, revealing staff as the main force behind unionization attempts, followed by contingent faculty. The Service Employees International Union plays a significant role in representing college and university employees. A disproportionate number of elections occurred in a handful of union-friendly states and well-resourced institutions. This study underscores the importance of understanding historic unionization efforts, shedding light on often overlooked staff categories, such as maintenance and campus security.