Student workers at WWU pause strike after five days of picketing

Student workers at Western Washington University paused their strike after five days of picketing, following a meeting with university administrators facilitated by state Rep. Joe Timmons. The Western Academic Workers United (WAWU) announced this decision, noting that it marked the first negotiation session in two years. Union representatives described the meeting as the "most productive conversation" with the university thus far, indicating an openness to further dialogue. They warned, however, that they are prepared to resume striking if negotiations fail to produce meaningful outcomes.

WWU President Sabah Randhawa confirmed the university's commitment to discussing the OSEs' requests in the coming days. The Operational Student Employees union, representing around 1,200 workers, seeks recognition as an official union. The university argues that state law does not grant collective bargaining rights to student workers, while the union calls for voluntary recognition. This ongoing conflict highlights the challenges faced by student workers in securing labor rights within the academic environment.