WSU student workers reach tentative deal after one day of picketing, strike

On January 17, 2024, Washington State University (WSU) student workers successfully reached a tentative agreement with the university following a one-day strike. Organized by the Washington State University Coalition of Student Employees (WSU-CASE), rallies were held across multiple campuses, where union members walked off the job to demand better working conditions. The tentative agreement includes significant concessions from the university, such as pay increases, more affordable healthcare options, and parental leave. Erin Wiese, a PhD candidate and union member, described the emotional atmosphere at the rally, with participants celebrating the news of the agreement. L.

McKinley Nevins, another union member, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the contract, emphasizing its potential to improve the work environment for academic student employees. The revised contract will soon be presented to union members for a vote and could be finalized by the end of the month. WSU's administration expressed their contentment with the agreement, acknowledging the contributions of graduate student workers. This development represents a significant milestone for labor relations at WSU, reflecting broader trends in labor movements within educational institutions.