Wages
We have seen substantial movement by management to improve wages based on our demands and mobilizations. We are still bargaining to ensure that:
- Hourly employees receive similar geographic differentials to salaried employees
- Future wage increases continue to keep pace with other institutions and costs of living
WSU Academic Student Employees perform critical teaching and research labor for WSU, teaching thousands of students and bringing in millions of dollars in research grant money.
And yet, ASEs are struggling to pay the bills as the cost of living skyrockets with inflation. Meanwhile, executive leadership have seen hefty raises over the past four years that were not extended to ASEs. Making up for lost increases and bringing us closer to a competitive wage is a top priority at the bargaining table.
Further, ASEs’ low wages have grave implications for equity. Doing a grad degree at WSU has become increasingly difficult for those who don’t have access to generational wealth or support from family. To make WSU a more equitable institution, where researchers of all backgrounds can afford to work and study without taking on a lot of debt, WSU administration needs to agree to a fair wage.
Financial stress has been a constant pressure as a graduate student. In response to rising inflation, my budget has been stretched thinner than it ever was. Often, I must skip meals to keep my expenses down and purchase less healthy food options. We cannot be great students if we’re HUNGRY.”
“Coming from one of the lowest-paid departments at WSU, I am committed to achieving wages that actually reflect the value we bring to WSU.”
“You can’t budget yourself out of poverty, but WSU Admin think a living wage is unrealistic. I’ve tried for years and my only financial salvation is defending so I can leave. I want future ASEs to live a dignified life with quality healthcare, living wages, and a grievance process they can trust.”