UW proposes to cut DEI, offers workers 0%

On top of 0% raises, Washington’s premier research institution would comply in advance with Trump administration priorities

The following is from SEIU 925 and WFSE/AFSCME Council 28:

SEATTLE, WA (September 16, 2026) — Hundreds of members of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) local 925 and Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) rallied yesterday in support of a fair contract at their employer, the University of Washington. Despite bargaining for 13 sessions over 15 weeks, the University — which currently has $2 billion in unrestricted reserves — has proposed 0% wage increases for its staff.  On top of this offer, which amounts to a pay cut when the cost of living has increased 4.5% since 2025, the UW is also proposing eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion language, which were hard fought wins in the past and ensure bargaining unit members’ participation in critical work groups. 

“Their compensation proposal of 0% is disrespectful, it is insulting, it is tragic, and this decision is based on flawed, cherry picked data to say that we’re not worth it,” said Riz Monghit, a financial counselor at Harborview for over eight years and both a SEIU 925 executive board member, and bargaining team member.

Photo: WFSE

“We worked hard for all our DEI protections, and we’re not going to give up on those,” said Paula Lukaszek, a plumber at UW’s Seattle campus since 2003 and president of WFSE Local 1495. “The university has forgotten what their values are.” 

Notably, the WFSE Community College Coalition is also bargaining for contracts at community colleges across Washington. Those institutions have agreed to maintain language around diversity, equity, and workplace behavior without any fight.

Photo: The STAND

Earlier this month, SEIU 925 members joined the UW Board of Regents to demand they authorize the use of those unrestricted reserves to help workers stay in their jobs. 

“After hearing about UW’s recent 0% wage proposal, I immediately felt disrespected, undervalued and frustrated,” said Chuck Matthews, a perinatal surgical technologist at UW Medical Center and SEIU 925 bargaining team member.  “I know my worth is way more than zero.  We’re constantly asked to do more for UW, now it’s time for them to do more for us.”

The University of Washington is only a world-renowned institution because of its employees. But today, the essential workers across the UW’s academic and medical systems can barely make ends meet. Union workers at UW will continue to fight for safe staffing levels, sustainable workloads, career advancement, and wages that attract the best and brightest to actually stay here.

SEIU 925 represents 19,000 Washingtonians working in education from early learning through higher education, as well as members who work in local government and nonprofits. Learn more at seiu925.0rg. WFSE/AFSCME Council 28 represents 50,000 state and other public service workers in Washington. Learn more at wfse.org.