Western student workers march on the boss

Workers delivered letters calling on the University to address contract violations and advance union recognition

BELLINGHAM, WA (January 30, 2025) — On Friday, Operational Student Employees (OSEs) and Educational Student Employees (ESEs) at Western Washington University (WWU) marched on the boss, demanding the University respect workers’ collective bargaining. In letters delivered to the University’s president and head of human resources, ESEs called out WWU for contract violations, while OSEs demanded WWU recognize their choice to unionize.

ESEs are members of Western Academic Workers United-UAW (WAWU-UAW), and won their first contract last May. However, the union reports that University administration is currently violating the terms of that contract for over 130 workers whose job duties exceed those expected of their job pay classifications. ESEs are demanding that the university acknowledge this contract violation, reclassify and backpay the affected ESEs so that workers receive the appropriate pay for the work that they’re doing.

WAWU ESEs on strike in May 2024.

“It’s disappointing as a member of the ESE bargaining committee who negotiated this contract collaboratively with Western admin last year to now have my work misclassified by those same administrators. It’s time for Western to uphold the contract that we agreed to together, and pay us appropriately for the work we do,” said Jude Ziliak, Peer Advisor in the Academic Advising and Student Achievement Center.

The Legislature is currently considering legislation to provide a framework for student worker collective bargaining, SB 5119. As the bill moves through the legislative process, Operational Student Employees are taking action demanding that the university recognize their union. Per the union, a majority of workers on campus have chosen to unionize and are urging the University to in prepare for certification this spring.

“All student workers at Western deserve the same basic protections at work that a union provides. Western needs to stop putting up roadblocks and start treating us equitably: which means recognizing that Operational Student Employees have chosen to form a union just like our peers, Educational Student Employees. Western should recognize our bargaining unit and work with us as we prepare to bargain for the protections we need to do our work,” said Leo Maffei, Inclusion Community Assistant in University Residence Life.