The classification of graduate students as employees at their respective academic institutions has been a highly debated topic in recent years. Last Friday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) proposed a new rule that would prohibit graduate students who perform additional roles, such as Teaching Assistants and research assistants, from being classified as employees under the National Labor Relations Act. The NLRB has shifted its stance on the issue multiple times, with numerous rulings being reversed. However, any new regulation passed by the NLRB on the issue will be more difficult to reverse than a case ruling.
See "New NLRB Rule Would Block Grad Student Unions", Braden Campbell, Law360, September 23, 2019