PhD Student Union Election Results

Dear Emory PhD Students,  

Earlier today, the National Labor Relations Board counted the ballots cast in the recent election to decide whether eligible Emory PhD students would be represented by the Workers United Southern Regional Joint Board, Service Employees International Union (SEIU).   

Based on today’s count, a majority of students who cast ballots in the election voted in favor of representation by Workers United-SEIU, with a total of 909 ballots cast in favor of unionization and 73 against. Approximately 60 percent of eligible PhD students voted. 

As you know, the outcome of the election affects all Emory PhD students in the bargaining unit regardless of whether or how a particular student voted. Once the NLRB certifies the election results, Workers United-SEIU and Emory will begin the collective bargaining process.   

I would like to thank all of you who engaged in this process for making your voices heard. Emory respects the outcome of the vote, and we are committed to bargaining in good faith with the Union as your representative consistent with our mission, vision and values.  

We are—and always will be—committed to providing a top-quality education and student-centered experience that supports your success.  

We recognize that you may have additional questions. Laney will update its FAQs webpage with information about bargaining as appropriate, and we encourage you to continue learning about Workers United-SEIU and making sure your voices are heard and represented by them during the bargaining process. As always, you may reach out to your faculty advisor or Director of Graduate Studies on academic matters. 

I wish you all a healthy and successful conclusion to the fall semester.

Ravi V. Bellamkonda
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs