S
NLRB Region 32 Labor Docket Post-Ruling Analysis

Stanford Residential Advisers NLRB Unionization Impact & Unit Scope Workbench

Source: Reuters report — NLRB official ruled Stanford residential advisers qualify as statutory employees under NLRA Section 2(3).
Standard: Columbia University (2016) precedent

1. Bargaining Unit Scope

All Residences

Community of Interest inquiry tests geographic, supervisory, and operational continuity across halls.

245
20 (Micro-unit) 245 (Full Staff) 350 (Max Expanded)

2. Common Law Agency Test

Weight: Control + Economic Reality
19.5 hrs/wk
5h (Incidental) 19.5h (Baseline) 35h (Near Full-Time)
$2,150
$500 (Honorarium) $2,150 (Stanford RA level) $5,000 (Full Waiver)
Academic Link Requirement Position tied to matriculated student status
NLRB Determination NLRA § 2(3) Standard
Docket Synced
Statutory Test Score
88/100 (Employee Status Confirmed)
Bargaining Unit Status Eligible for Election Regional Director certification viable
Projected Scope Coverage Full Residential Life Staff In-unit representation: 245 members
Estimated Bargaining Timeline
7.5 Months
From secret ballot to first CBA ratification
The NLRB Regional Director finds that advisers perform services subject to university control in return for substantial compensation ($2,150 stipend plus room/board credit). Under the Columbia standard, the educational affiliation does not negate statutory employee rights.

Residential Complex Composition & Scope Impact

4 Resident Clusters
Residential Cluster Advisers Avg Weekly Shift Annual Stipend Pool Unit Inclusion
Export Ready: Download Stanford RA Unit Scope Audit Brief (.json + formatted summary).

Legal Framework & Statutory Background

Precedent: Columbia University, 364 NLRB No. 90 (2016)

Common Law Agency Test

Under Section 2(3) of the National Labor Relations Act, an individual is an employee if they perform services for another under the other's control and in exchange for consideration. The ruling confirms that RA duty rotas, incident logs, and dormitory policy enforcement satisfy control.

Dual Status: Student vs. Employee

Universities historically argued RAs hold primarily educational mentorship roles. The NLRB regional determination establishes that student enrollment does not preclude statutory protection when economic compensation and mandatory responsibilities exist.

Bargaining Scope & Timeline

Following this regional director's decision, an election order issues unless stayed by the full Board in Washington. Subsequent collective bargaining agreement negotiations for private higher-education peer units average 7 to 9 months.

Enjoy this tool? Build your own with Super