The idea for a coalition of Cornell Outdoor Education employees struck Emile Bensedrine ’23 at COE’s senior dinner, hosted in November 2022. He found himself sitting around a table with people he neither knew nor recognized, which prompted him to question the lack of community among COE staff.
“I [realized that] half the people at this table I’ve never met,” Bensedrine said. “We’re a super siloed off organization, and we don’t even talk to each other. And then one person said, ‘If you handed me a union card right now, I would sign it.’”
The next month, about 10 student organizers and employees of COE gathered over lentil soup at a table in Goldwin Smith Hall. There, they discussed plans to form a coalition of COE students, employees and allies meant to advocate for better pay, a more diverse working environment and greater student involvement in COE decisions.
A few months later, those initial whispers of a representative body have morphed into the Cornell Outdoor Educators Coalition, whose recent efforts have included petitioning for a $14.20 per hour baseline wage, in line with the minimum wage of New York state, for all COE employees; better accommodations for COE employees guiding trips; clear and accessible wage scales; a peer-led grievance resolution process and more funding from the University. The petition garnered over 350 signatures from Cornell community members and OEC supporters.
According to Zohar Grinvald ’25, an organizer with OEC, COE employees lacked an...
Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning...