Student workers at Western Washington University hit the picket lines

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Photo: Saga Communications/Emma Toscani

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Over 1,000 student workers at Western Washington University have hit the picket lines.

The strike by Operational Student Employees (OSEs) began at 5 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

Student workers on strike make their way towards Old Main on May 28. Photo by Emma Toscani

OSEs on strike include resident advisors, lifeguards, food pantry workers and other workers in non-academic positions.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that OSEs held a practice picket last week after claiming that the university refuses to recognize them as a union.

Academic student employees, known as ESEs, were able to secure a union contract with the school last year.

Becca Kenna-Schenk told members of the bargaining team that the meeting request for Wednesday, May 28 was unreasonable but was willing to read new language from the bargaining team. Photo by Emma Toscani

In their demands, OSEs are looking for similar work protections to ESEs and a fair contract offer. The strike was approved by over 94% of members voting in favor earlier this month.

WTA adds that their bus routes are being detoured around campus today due to the strike.

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