WAWU has reached a contract with Western Washington University, ending the two-day campus educational student employee strike, a WAWU newsletter said Wednesday night. They will not be returning to the picket line Thursday morning.
WAWU will share the contract details and their next steps at a town hall meeting on Thursday.
“This could never have happened without the collective power of all of us standing together, we can't wait to share our first contract with you,” the newsletter said. “We showed them that without our brains and muscle, not a single wheel can turn, we are so excited to get back to work on campus tomorrow to the jobs we love and the students we serve.”
An emergency bargaining committee was formed on Tuesday so negotiations could continue while on strike, WAWU bargaining committee members said.
Starting Tuesday, WAWU picketed at multiple campus entrances, encouraging students, faculty and drivers to join in solidarity with striking educational student employees.
“Honk for fair wages” a picket sign stated to drivers passing protestors near the Wade King Student Recreation Center.
On Thursday at 8:11 a.m., Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa, released a statement regarding WAWU reaching a tentative contract.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the student employees who played pivotal roles in representing WAWU or actively participating in the bargaining process, your commitment to advocating for your fellow students has been truly commendable,” Randhawa said in his email. “Your active participation in such matters is a reminder not only of your dedication but also reinforces the reputation of WWU students as engaged and compassionate citizens.”
This is a developing story, more details to come.
Jack Glenn (he/him) is a copy editor for The Front this quarter. He began working at the Front in the spring of 2022 as a sports reporter.
Julia Hawkins (she/her) is a opinions reporter for The Front this quarter. She is a fourth-year journalism/public relations major. Outside of reporting, Julia enjoys hanging out in The Planet office, baking and asking random people to pet their dogs. You can reach her at juliahawkins.thefront@gmail.com.
