Student workers at Western Washington University prepare to hit the picket lines

BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Some student workers at Western Washington University (WWU) are preparing to hit the picket lines.

A practice picket will be held on Wednesday, May 21 at noon by the university’s Operational Student Employees (OSE).

Those include resident advisors, lifeguards, clerks and other positions across campus.

The group says that WWU has refused to acknowledge OSEs as a recognized union. Employees also announced a formal strike date of May 28 if their demands aren’t met.

A vote to authorize the strike passed with 94% of OSEs voting in favor.

The practice picket comes on the heels of a 5-day strike by thousands of PeaceHealth workers in Bellingham.