Issued May 13, 2014

To the Harry Bridges Center and University of Washington Community,

UAW Local 4121, representing 6,000 academic student employees at the University of Washington’s three campuses, is currently in contract negotiations with the University of Washington administration. Should an agreement fail to be reached beforehand, the union has announced its intention to strike tomorrow on Tuesday, May 14.

Bargaining issues include raising wages to keep up with competing peer institutions, eliminating pay-to-work student fees (totaling $1024 per year) that ASEs currently pay, and extending fair healthcare premiums. UAW Local 4121 has already demanded and won new rights and protections for international student workers. 

The workers represented by UAW Local 4121 are essential to the education and research mission of the University of Washington. Without the vital contributions of academic student employees (ASEs), teaching and scholarship are impossible. The Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies is proud to count ASEs among our staff.

We are alarmed at the University of Washington administration’s recent filing of an Unfair Labor Practice Complaint against UAW Local 4121 for a peaceful sit-in of more than a 100 members in support of the union’s bargaining positions. We believe the filing misrepresents the action and can serve to intimidate union members from advocating for a fair contract and practicing a proud tradition of UW students engaging in sit-ins and other nonviolent collective actions. 

The Harry Bridges Center stands in full support of the right of UAW 4121 members, and all workers, to strike. We call on the UW administration to bargain in good faith and to reach a fair and equitable contract with the union. And we encourage all faculty and staff to recognize the  strike and demonstrate support, should one begin tomorrow. If faculty have questions about how they might show support, they are welcome to  contact Moon-Ho Jung, the Director of the Harry Bridges Center for Labor Studies at hbcls@uw.edu. 

 

What to do if there is a strike?

The UAW 4121 maintains a strike FAQ, outlining what a strike means for academic student employees, and how undergraduates, faculty, and staff can show support.

 

How can I keep updated on the status of bargaining?

Regular bargaining updates are available on UAW 4121’s website, and X and Instagram accounts.