Recent movements by college athletes, such as at Northwestern, to unionize may have an unforeseen impact, according to one workplace authority. While athletes may benefit financially for their work on the field during college, employers may take pause when considering them for future positions. “It’s not that I would view his or her involvement in a union positively or negatively,” said one top HR executive interviewed by Challenger. “But it’s something I would have to take into consideration that I may not have to consider with another candidate.” Northwestern athletes won a bid to unionize after the Chicago district of the National Labor Relations Board ruled athletes were employees of Northwestern. The vote to unionize under the College Athletes Players Association will be held on April 25. Most likely, if Northwestern’s athletes vote to be represented by a union, college athletes across the nation may follow suit. How might the unionization of college students impact their employability? Who benefits most from student athlete unions?
