NLRB nixes proposed grad student rule. Too busy.

The NLRB is withdrawing its proposed rule dealing with graduate students. [Federal Register]

The proposed rule would have established that students who perform any services for compensation, including, but not limited to, teaching or research, at a private college or university in connection with their studies are not “employees” within the meaning of the National Labor Relations Act.

Current Board precedent allows such students to be classified as “employees,” thus giving them the right to organize a union and to have the NLRB conduct a representation election — potentially leading to a collective bargaining agreement.

In a press release, the Board says, "The Board has decided to withdraw this rulemaking proceeding at this time in order to focus its limited resources on competing Agency priorities, including the adjudication of unfair labor practice and representation cases currently in progress."