Student workers at Western Washington University hit the picket lines

Over 1,000 Operational Student Employees (OSEs) at Western Washington University began a strike at 5 a. m. on Wednesday, demanding union recognition and fair contract terms similar to those secured by academic student employees last year. The strike involves resident advisors, lifeguards, and food pantry workers, all holding non-academic positions. Last week, OSEs conducted a practice picket, expressing frustration over the university's refusal to recognize them as a union.

The strike received overwhelming backing, with over 94% of members voting in favor earlier this month. Local transportation authority WTA announced that bus routes would be detoured around the campus as a result of the strike. This action highlights ongoing tensions in labor relations at the university, where recent negotiations for fair compensation and protections remain unresolved. The university previously secured a union contract for academic student employees, emphasizing the disparity in labor conditions. The outcome of this strike could significantly impact future labor negotiations for student workers at the institution.