Just like everybody else following collegiate athletics, football players and administrators at USC and UCLA will wait patiently for the results of the Northwestern players union vote. If an appeal by Northwestern University is rejected by the National Labor Relations Board and the Wildcat players vote in favor of a union, the movement could hit the west coast in a matter of time.
Players at USC have stated their interest in a potential union, according to the Los Angeles Times, and Trojans Athletics Director Pat Haden has already met with the team to attempt to answer any questions they may have.
“These are all bright kids,” Haden said. “We’re an academic institution. This is supposed to be a time for intellectual growth and we welcome it.”
If Northwestern players open the doors to a formal union, private institutions around the country could see similar union talks develop among players. USC is a private institution, which would qualify under the precedent set by a regional office ruling by the NLRB as Northwestern players made their case.
UCLA should be keeping close tabs on the discussions as well as any public institution. If USC were to form a union down the line under the guidelines put in motion by Northwestern’s movement, it could become a brand new sticking point in recruiting battles between the two LA-based universities. The leadership at UCLA is also coming off in favor of the idea.
“College students need and want money for what we do,” said UCLA receiver Devin Lucien. “I support what they are doing. I think it needs to happen.”
The results of the Northwestern vote will not be shared until after an appeal by the university is ruled on by the NLRB. The NLRB agreed to hear an appeal from the university, which will freeze the union movement following the formal voting process.