Unionized WSU students stage sit-in at Chancellors office, strike still possible

In a bold move, unionized students at Washington State University (WSU) organized a sit-in at Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton's office to advocate for a fair contract amid ongoing negotiations that have lasted over a year. The Academic Student Employees (ASEs) union is pushing for essential improvements in wages, healthcare benefits, childcare, and protections against discrimination. Ish Green, a fourth-year PhD candidate, highlighted the administration's slow response times to proposals, which can take up to three times longer than the ASEs. The students are also raising awareness of the glaring pay disparity at the university, where the highest-paid administrator earns significantly more than the lowest-paid ASE. Currently, WSU President Kirk Schulz's salary is $796,000, while the ASEs earn between $1,600 and $1,800 per month after fees.

The students have issued a firm deadline of December 15 for the administration to provide a fair contract, signaling their readiness to escalate their actions if necessary. The potential for a strike looms large as tensions rise over these critical issues. The sit-in reflects a growing movement among student workers seeking equitable treatment within the university system.