WAWU-UAW Local 4929 represents 2,500 student employees. Every day we work to ensure that our students, our peers, and our communities have a clean, safe, and effective place to learn and grow. Our work, and the work of millions of academic workers across this country, affects not only our 14,000 students but also the lives of hundreds of millions of Americans every single day.
Our union stands firmly against any and all attacks to higher education, academic freedom, essential government services, and civil and human rights. These recent attacks will impact not only WAWU and our siblings across the UAW, but also those hundreds of millions of Americans who need well-researched healthcare, an educated workforce, and basic democratic freedoms.
Today, Columbia University expelled and fired Grant Miner, student worker and President of Student Workers of Columbia (UAW Local 2710). Yesterday, the Trump administration laid off 1,300 civil servants working in the Department of Education. On March 8, the Department of Homeland Security detained graduate student and pro-Palestine activist Mahmoud Khalil. On March 6, Washington Senator June Robinson introduced a bill that would allow tuition to increase at a rate higher than inflation. On February 27, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson called for 1,000 layoffs and state-wide furlough days for public employees. This Union condemns attacks on the labor movement, condemns the dismantling of the Department of Education, calls for the release of Mahmoud Khalil, and opposes funding the state deficit from the wallets of students, student-workers, and public workers.
These current attacks, orchestrated by a group of wealthy billionaires and fascists, must be defeated. Instead of slashing government services and human rights, our state and federal governments should be working to address wealth inequality and the cost-of-living crisis by protecting its people and taxing the wealthy.
The attacks on pro-Palestine activism at Columbia must be considered an attack on all working and marginalized people. Yesterday’s attacks on student protesters have become today’s attacks on labor. This union has stood steadfast with the calls for a Free Palestine. Student workers stood side-by side with our fellow student activists during last year’s pro-Palestine rallies. This January, the first resolution of this local union called for an Arms Embargo and the Divestment of UAW International funds and WWU Foundation funds. The fight for justice in Palestine is inseparable from the fight for justice in our workplaces.
This moment calls on people everywhere to STAND UP, FIGHT BACK. The UAW has a proud history of protest and struggle against injustice and we must continue to organize for no less than a world where every being is afforded common dignity and justice.
In solidarity,
Kalea Wong, President, UAW 4929
Sign the Petition demanding the release of Mahmoud Khalil.
Join WAWU’s Community Action and Partnerships Committee to organize for a better future for our community and world.
Join WAWU’s Organizing Committee for Educational or Operational Employees to build the community and power we need to effectively stand up and fight back.