NLRB looks ready to revisit issue of collective bargaining by graduate teaching and research assistants

The National Labor Relations Board looks set to revisit a 2004 ruling that prohibited graduate student research and teaching assistants at private colleges and universities from engaging in collective bargaining activities protected under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  The 2004 ruling (which actually overturned another NLRB decision) determined that graduate students do not constitute employees for purposes of the NLRA.  I plan to have more to say on this later.  For now, let's just say that I'm glad the NLRB is taking up the issue again.  Any new stance by the NLRB will only apply to graduate teaching and research assistants at private colleges and universities, as the NLRA leaves the issue of collective bargaining for public employees (including those in public higher education) to regulation under state law.