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.

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.

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.