Both student workers and administration at Berea College are still waiting for a decision from the National Labor Relations Board on whether students can hold a vote to organize a labor union. The original filing was made seven months ago. Students are being represented by the Communications Workers of America. Berea is a work college, which means students are required to work 10 hours on campus each week as part of their curriculum. The board is currently reviewing post-hearing briefs from both union and school representatives, according to an email from an NLRB spokesperson. Those briefs were filed in June. Both sides say they’re waiting to hear from the NLRB on what the next steps are in the meantime. “It’s comparable to any legal process, where our materials, like our case, is there, and we’re just waiting,” Berea College President Cheryl Nixon said in an August interview. Supporters say a union is the best chance to negotiate with the college on issues like better workplace safety, higher wages and a formal grievance system. Those opposed say a union is incompatible with Berea’s “work college” model, and that students can’t be recognized as workers. ** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, and fact-based journalism. Monthly supporters are the top funding source for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation. The post Berea College still waiting on NLRB decision on student labor union vote appeared first on The Lexington Times.