Who is an ESE? Who is an OSE? ?

• ESEs are: tutors, teaching assistants, lab assistants, faculty assistants, research assistants, peer advisors, and library assistants
• OSEs are: program support staff, recreation assistants, clerks, laborers, lifeguards, resident advisors, custodians, desk attendants, editors and more

What led ESEs to set a strike deadline? 

ESEs have been hard at work trying to reach a fair agreement with WWU Administrators since the start September 2023. They have bargained in good faith with the University and have made well-researched, evidence-based proposals based on the priorities expressed by hundreds of ESEs throughout the bargaining unit, including: 

• livable, competitive compensation
• tuition and fee waivers
• stronger ADEI resolution procedures, and 
• job security
• bereavement leave

Should the admin fail to engage in good faith on these issues, ESEs are prepared to strike. 

What will the strike look like?

A strike is a complete work stoppage of the unit currently involved in bargaining. During the strike, ESEs will not perform any of our work duties (teaching, research, and all related duties), but instead participate in picket lines or other strike activities in and around our campus to increase the visibility of the strike.

How long would a strike last? When would it start and end?

ESEs will strike until the Administration offers a fair compromise. Decisions about the date and length of a strike would be collective decisions made by ESEs.

What are the asks of all western employees and students?

1. Reach out to the WWU Administration and ask them to offer ESEs a fair contract (template email here), especially on the critical issues of compensation, tuition relief, and protections. Let them know it is critical to invest in a contract that appropriately reflects the importance of the work done by ESEs at WWU. Convey the importance of reaching agreement on a fair contract quickly due to the impact of a potential work stoppages across campus.
2. If ESEs go on strike, please do not do any of their labor. For too long, ESE work has been invisible to the WWU Administration, and rather than stepping in to complete our work, we urge you to reach out to the Administration and let them know the impact and importance of our labor.
3. All members of the WWU community are asked to refuse to cross ESE picket lines in the event of a strike and voluntarily withhold their own paid labor from WWU. ESEs have the support of hundreds of unionized workers across Western, and we believe that if we all stand together, we can show Western the value of all its workers’ labor, and that an injury to one is an injury to all. If you are unable to withhold your labor, joining our picket lines (5 AM – 5 PM, every weekday) will also be a huge help.

What is a picket line and how does it work? 

A picket line is a public expression by striking workers of their dispute, which conveys a request for other workers and community members to join them in solidarity. The impact of a strike is increased by non-ESE colleagues not crossing the picket line and avoiding activities that weaken ESE’s decision to withhold their labor. 

How do I avoid doing ESE work?

OSE should not compensate for work otherwise done by ESEs, whether by performing the work themselves or by seeking out other sources of labor. This can include grading, holding quiz sections, analyzing data, running experiments, and communicating results. The impact of the work stoppage should be maximized to pressure the employer to adequately meet the needs of their employees. 

How do I not cross the picket line?

Working while a strike is occurring is crossing a picket line. We are asking all members of the Western community to refuse to cross ESE picket lines in the event of a strike and withhold their own paid labor from WWU. ESEs have the support of hundreds of unionized workers across Western, and we believe that if we all stand together, we can show Western the value of all its workers’ labor, and that an injury to one is an injury to all. If you are unable to withhold your labor, joining our picket lines (5 AM – 5 PM, every weekday) will also be a huge help.

Can OSEs be retaliated against for participating in a work stoppage?

The best protection we have is our safety in numbers. This is why we focus on mass actions, because the more of us take action together, the harder it is, and the less incentivized our supervisors are, to retaliate against us. If you or any colleagues experience retaliation in any form, please email and let us know immediately.

Could OSEs lose their pay from work stoppage?

Yes. WWU can refuse to pay OSEs for the work we don’t do during a work stoppage.

What about work from home? 

We see remote work and in-person work the same way.

Can people come to campus?

Many people even live on campus, or have reasons to be on campus other than work. The strike is a work stoppage – you can continue to do the “student” part of your life. However, many things will be shut down. We expect that a strike will be disruptive to the regular operations of the University. 

Will professors cancel class?

It’s possible! WAWU has strong bonds of solidarity with the other unionized workers of WWU who have been given the same ask to not cross our picket line. Plan to stay in touch with your professors if a strike does occur with regards to if class is in session.

What about the people I serve in my job?

Student worker working conditions are our students’ and peers’ learning conditions. Until ESEs are treated fairly and equitably, everyone at WWU is worse off. Fortunately, students and members of the WWU community have been expressing broad support for our campaign for a fair contract.