Around 150 student workers and supporters gathered in Red Square at noon for International Workers’ Day on May 1. They marched to Old Main in support of Western Academic Workers United (WAWU) and its operational student employees' battle for union recognition by Western Washington University’s administration.
The rally comes five days before a May 6-9 vote determining whether operational student employees (OSE) can strike. If the vote reaches the necessary majority, those on the OSE bargaining committee will be granted the power to set a strike deadline.
“We've been organizing, we've been fighting, and if we have to strike, we will,” said Erin Magarro, a former bargaining committee member for the educational student employees (ESEs).
WAWU members gather around Fisher Fountain in Bellingham, Wash., on May 1, 2025. Members listen to speakers in support of unionizing occupational student employees. // Photo by Caitlin Grygorcewicz
Most student workers who do work unrelated to providing academic or research assistance are considered operational. For example, those who work in the Viking Union, editors for student publications and resident advisors.
In 2024, ESEs within the student union negotiated a contract with Western’s administration that increased their pay and established various workplace protections. The OSE organizers do not have a contract but must be recognized by the university to bargain for one.
WAWU organizers seemed pleased with the turnout.
“I think we have a lot of power right in front of me right now,” Magarro said , standing on the rim of Fisher Fountain above an animated crowd.
Ilana O’Neal is not a student employee but joined the rally on a whim after seeing the large crowd. She suspected more people would have attended if they did not have work or class.
“This is still a huge amount of people. They're so loud you can hear them across campus,” O’Neal said.
Chants cut through the usual cacophony of campus. Repeated shouts of “shame” echoed as rally speakers took turns highlighting recent workplace issues on campus, such as the Recycling Center’s halt in operations.
Stephanie Lark, a former OSE and a current member of the OSE bargaining committee, marched in support of better workplace conditions. She quit her student job as a lifeguard due to physical and emotional safety concerns she said went unaddressed by the Wade King Student Recreation Center faculty.
Lark called Western “falsely progressive,” expressing discontent with the amount Western’s administration is paid compared to student employees. She specifically commented on the salary of President Sabah Randhawa, who made $460,000 in 2022.
“I can't think of another caste system in which you pay to be a second-class citizen,” Lark said.
Protestors carrying a banner lead the May Day rally outside Old Main in Bellingham, Wash., on May 1, 2025. One student organizer, Stephanie Lark, described the rally as a practice for the potential strike. // Photo by Caitlin Grygorcewicz
Paul Carlson is a utility worker at Western and the president of the Washington Federation of State Employees union chapter 1381. To him, it seems the student organizers on campus have reinvigorated Bellingham’s labor organizing.
“It’s a big time for labor,” Carlson said.
Off campus, two nurses' unions at PeaceHealth announced a five-day strike commencing May 12.
Jace Cotton is an at-large member of Bellingham’s City Council. Surrounded by ralliers, he spoke on the grand steps of Old Main in support of WAWU’s organizing.
Cotton said the OSEs’ lack of recognition affects the broader Bellingham community and that it is necessary to support all workers in the city’s “financially very difficult situation.”
In his speeches’ final moments, Cotton spoke directly to student employees.
“As you keep this fight up, Bellingham will keep showing up for you," said Cotton.
Hailey LeRoy (she/he/they) is a campus news reporter for The Front. She is a third-year environmental journalism major. Outside of the newsroom, you can find her skating with the Bellingham Roller Betties, singing choral music, or perfecting elaborate eyeshadow looks. You can reach them at haileyleroy.thefront@gmail.com.
