Will unite 7,000 workers across eight unions affiliated with Brown, Brown University Health
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, September 1, 2025 –
Labor organizations at Brown University and the Brown University Health system have united to magnify the voices of all workers affiliated with Brown. The new Brown University Labor Council (BULC) unites eight unions at Brown and Brown Health to strengthen worker power and ensure these institutions serve the best interests of students, patients, and the Providence community. BULC member organizations represent over 7,000 workers affiliated with Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital — the essential staff whose labor is the foundation of these institutions’ strength and success. The future of the university and hospital system depends on a united, empowered workforce — and that starts with workers standing together.
BULC’s formation comes at a time of upheaval for higher education, healthcare, and labor at both local and national levels. Federal funding cuts threaten the future of Rhode Island’s health care system and research in higher education. Brown University’s recently-struck deal with the federal government abandons much of the University’s core educational mission and puts community members at risk. At the same time, Rhode Islanders face a mounting affordability crisis, with skyrocketing costs of housing, food and consumer goods stretching the budgets of working people across the state.
“In this time of overlapping crises, the voice of labor is crucial,” said Maddock Thomas, BULC President. “A strong labor movement means that working people will have a seat at the table as we work to solve these problems. The BULC allows us to build a cohesive labor movement for workers affiliated with Brown across all sectors and workplaces. During organizing drives, in contract negotiations, on picket lines, or in solidarity with our community, we are stronger together.”
The BULC’s formation marks the first effort at creating a cross-sector labor organization since Brown University’s expanded affiliation agreement with the former Lifespan health system in 2024. This agreement renamed Lifespan as Brown University Health and entails $100s of millions of dollars in financial transfers between the health system and Brown University. In response to this corporate consolidation, labor must stand together. The BULC provides that unified voice.
The BULC will fight for all workers affiliated with Brown University on the principle that an injury to one is an injury to all. Beginning on September 15, the BULC will be hosting an organizer series to support workers getting involved in their unions and organizing their workplaces. In addition to other educational activities, the BULC will facilitate social events that can serve as a gathering space for workers to build community. The BULC will also seek to support organizing efforts to ensure that all workers have the support they need to form a union.
BULC currently comprises eight labor organizations at Brown University and its affiliates:
- American Association of University Professors (Brown Chapter)
- Brown University Postdoc Labor Organization
- Committee of Interns and Residents (Brown Health and Care New England units)
- Graduate Labor Organization
- Brown Student Labor Alliance
- Teamsters Local 251 (Transdev and Rhode Island Hospital units)
- United Nurses and Allied Professionals Local 5098
- United Service and Allied Workers of Rhode Island (library and dining units)
Any existing labor organizations affiliated with Brown that have not been contacted by BULC organizers, or any workers interested in organizing their workplace within Brown University or Brown University Health, are invited to contact BULC at brownulabor@gmail.com or by visiting brownulabor.com.