October 17, 2022
This morning you may have received an email from WSU Labor Relations, informing you that you were “a petitioned for employee in the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC), Representation Case #135073-E-22, Washington State University(WSU)/ United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers America local 4121(UAW).” We’ve heard some questions about this email and want to clarify what this message means and why it was sent out.
This email was sent to all teaching assistants, research assistants, and others doing similar work – to notify us that the final step in our union certification process has begun. The “petition” referenced in the email is the document we filed with the state labor board to form a union, and not the union authorization card most of us have signed in support of the process. Signing a card is a confidential process and WSU Administration does not receive a list of names of individuals who have signed a card. You can read our previous updates about the certification process here.
The email means we’re closer to being certified and winning our union which is exciting news! Please share this information with colleagues, friends, and anyone else who may have received the Labor Relations email. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to contact@wsucase.org or respond to this email.
In solidarity,
WSU CASE Organizing Committee