BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Unionized workers at Western Washington University will be holding a rally on Friday as they fight against imminent funding cuts.

Western is facing an $18 million budget shortfall as state legislators are currently deciding the budget for the next year.

The “Protect the Pie” rally will see a collection of workers giving speeches on the importance of keeping the university fully funded.

They argue that the proposed state funding cuts will result in fewer classes, higher workloads for all staff and higher costs to students.

The rally will take place on campus in Red Square beginning at 12 p.m.