Student Workers at Kenyon College Vote to Authorize a One-Day Work Stoppage

March 11, 2021 (Gambier, Ohio)- Student Workers at Kenyon College within the Library and Information Services (LBIS), student-run Kenyon College Farm, the Kenyon College Greenhouse, the Wright Center, and Lifeguard workplaces have voted to authorize a strike, the first known undergraduate student-labor strike in the United States.

In addition to the majorities within the LBIS, Lifeguard, Kenyon Farm, Wright Center, and the Kenyon College Greenhouse, student-workers across other worksites will be participating as well in solidarity with the aforementioned workplaces. Student-workers within these shops voice frustration with the current system of student labor at Kenyon as a whole with a particular focus on the ways in which Kenyon has implemented unfair policies and practices.

“I am striking because my coworkers and I should be able to expect that we get paid for our work. Something that we discuss a lot in K-SWOC is that our working conditions are our learning conditions. As long as my work gives me persistent anxiety, stress, and disrespect, I am ready to strike.” Sigal Felber ‘21, Research and Reference Intern with Library and Information Services (LBIS).

“I am striking not only to protect my own interests as a farmer but to advocate for the interests of my fellow workers, workers who are not granted the same freedom and self-direction that we are able to exercise at the farm. When one group of workers move to advocate for themselves, it is crucial that all other workers move as well. Nothing can be gained without solidarity, which is why I would encourage all student workers, even those who are comfortable in their jobs and have secured benefits, to join in the strike and speak out against wage theft” Dante Kanter, ‘21, Kenyon Farmer.

Read more: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/kenyon-student-workers-organizing-committee