UW Library & Press workers walk off the job

Two months past their contract expiration date, workers are protesting the university’s lack of movement at the bargaining table

SEATTLE, WA (March 31, 2026) — Staff of the University of Washington Libraries and Press held a work stoppage on Monday afternoon, walking off the job at noon and rallying and picketing across the university’s Seattle campus all afternoon. After months of bargaining, management is still refusing to come to terms on a collective bargaining agreement ensuring just compensation, fair pay, and job protections, reports the workers’ union, SEIU Local 925.

This is the second round of contract negotiations for UW Libraries and Press staff. They’re pushing for meaningful pay raises that respect their valuable labor and recognize the sky-high cost of living in the Seattle area. SEIU 925 reports that many workers can’t afford their student loan payments and rely on food stamps to cover grocery costs, despite working at one of the country’s most prestigious research universities. Workers also want to see layoff protections, DEI practices, and pay and benefits equity for professional library staff secured in a new contract.

The previous contract covering 160 workers at UW Libraries and Press expired on January 31. During Libraries and Press staff’s fight for that contact three years ago, the workers authorized a strike but reached a tentative agreement hours before the strike deadline.

Workers have held multiple rallies and demonstrations so far this year, earning support from students, coworkers, and the broader labor community. At Monday’s action, Libraries and Press staff were joined by university colleagues represented by UAW Local 4121 as well as State Representative Shaun Scott and Seattle City Councilmembers Alexis Mercedes Rinck, Dionne Foster, and Eddie Lin.

As the workers continue to push for a fair contract, they’re asking the community to voice support for the workers’ demands straight to management. SEIU 925 is running an email action that reads:

I am contacting you today to express my support of the University of Washington Libraries and Press Employees who withheld their labor today in order to obtain a fair contract in a timely manner. I urge UW Leadership to agree to a fair contract NOW. This means agreeing to better pay, layoff and DEI protections, and equity for Professional Libraries Employees (PLEs).

As a [student/staff/community member], the UW Libraries and Press staff act as vital components of academic growth and engagement both in and outside the UW community. Librarians and PLEs also have an important role in strengthening the community both in and outside of UW with programming and outreach. Moreover, the work of UW Libraries and Press helps continue the UW’s contributions to ongoing global research.

However, it’s clear that the University of Washington does not fairly value this work. The proposed raises are not enough for staff to keep up with inflation. PLEs and Librarians often have to move farther from campus to afford housing, can’t make student loan payments, and can’t pay for food without assistance programs like food stamps. And if UW Librarians and PLEs don’t have fair working conditions, student learning and engagement WILL suffer, too.

I stand with the UW Libraries and Press Union who walked out today. The contract has remained expired since February 1st and we need a fair contract NOW.

TAKE A STAND: Send an email to UW President Jones, the Board of Regents, Provost Serio, Dean Neame, and Vice President Horn in solidarity with UW Libraries and Press staff.