Meet the OSE Bargaining Committee!
The nomination period for our first ever Bargaining Committee (BC) election for Operational Student Employees (OSEs) ended on Sunday, July 22nd at 11:59pm. At that point, 11 OSEs accepted their nominations! Since there were 12 OSE BC seats open, each of the 11 candidates are automatically appointed as the first OSE Bargaining Committee members.
Join us in congratulating the following OSEs for being the first few on the OSE BC team!
![Kaylee Thomas, University Advancement/WWU Foundation](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1170-e1720680647518.png)
Kaylee Thomas, University Advancement/WWU Foundation
Telephone Solicitor
Hi! My name is Kaylee and I have had a couple different OSE jobs during my tenure at Western, but my main/longest standing job has been as a phone solicitor for Western’s foundation. I have been an active OSE organizer for a year and a half and have seen the incredible results that transpired from student workers harnessing their collective power to better the working conditions for student employees for years to come. I have also had personal experience with unjust and immoral actions from my employer and vow to promise to hold Western accountable for the well-being of the student workers who {quite literally} keep Western operational. As a bargaining committee member, I promise to show up and fight for equitable working conditions for OSE’s across our campus.
![Abbi Matthews, Wade King Rec Center](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_5696-scaled-e1720815022743.jpeg)
Abbi Matthews, Wade King Rec Center
Fitness Instructor
OSEs keep our university running. All student workers deserve and have the right to equitable support, pay, scheduling and protections!
![Stephanie Lark, Wade King Rec Center](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/12-30-05.29.23.jpg)
Stephanie Lark, Wade King Rec Center
Lifeguard
I have experienced firsthand what happens to the majority of students when their workplace is run by permanent staff who take advantage of their positions of power over vulnerable students, and I have spoken to new friends who have been through much worse. I have also experienced firsthand what Western’s system will do to students who raise these issues despite being told to reporting violations of any kind as part of our training. The only resource that western provides that is dedicated to a student’s well-being is counseling, there is absolutely nothing to stop or even prevent inappropriate behavior in the workplace at western.
![Mary Surdyk, Wade King Rec Center](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240716_101022-scaled.jpg)
Mary Surdyk, Wade King Rec Center
Lifeguard
I have been a part of WAWU since February of this year and I have spent the last few months helping to educate my coworkers about the union and learning what they need out of a contract with the university in order to feel supported in our workplace. I look forward to talking with other OSEs and fighting for a fair contract so that every student worker feels respected and valued.
![Lorayne McAteer, VU Event Services](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_8513-scaled.jpg)
Lorayne McAteer, VU Event Services
Event Sound Tech Assistant
Hi, my name is Lorayne and I have been a part of WAWU since Fall of 2023! I would like to be on the bargaining committee because I strongly believe that OSEs need better rights and support as workers. Our concerns are not being taken seriously by admin, even though our roles are what keeps the university running. I will be committed to showing up to bargaining and fighting for our rights to a fair contract.
![Lauren Eydt, Campus Mail System](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/27120AF9-D5A9-452B-8B91-1F14E71E9F3F-scaled.jpeg)
Lauren Eydt, Campus Mail System
Mail Carrier
Hi I’m Lauren, I have been working in Mail Service for the past three quarters. I was thrilled to see ESEs win their contract and would love the opportunity to help OSEs do the same! I would be honored to join the bargaining committee and fight for equity, fairness and transparency in our workplaces. I want to make sure every voice is heard in decisions involving all OSEs and ensure each student feels valued and respected in their workplace. Workers of the world unite!
![Ethan Martez, Department of Public Safety](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240507_014706_0000.png)
Ethan Martez, Department of Public Safety
Community Public Safety Assistant
I am Ethan Martez, a dedicated advocate for student workers at Western, running to be part of the WAWU OSE Bargaining Committee. With experience as an Operational Student Employee and a strong background in student leadership, I have consistently fought for the rights and well-being of my peers. As a former chair of the Fairhaven Residential Planning Board and a Green Coat, I have demonstrated my commitment to student worker advocacy. My platform as an AS President candidate focused on funding, food security, and unionization, aligning perfectly with the goals of WAWU. I am passionate about securing the same protections for OSEs that Educational Student Employees (ESEs) have recently won. By electing me, you will have a determined and experienced representative ready to start bargaining for our first contract with Western. Let’s work together for a fairer and safer campus.
![Clover Dorland, Facilities](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2186-scaled.jpeg)
Clover Dorland, Facilities
Desk Attendant
Hello my name is Clover, I would like to be on the bargaining committee because undergraduate concerns and ideas are important for this conversation. As an OSE I want our concerns about OSE workplaces to be heard and respected. I hope my contribution will help us reach a fair contract quickly.
![Kai Russell, ResLife](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20220831_215814_IMG_1192.jpg)
Kai Russell, ResLife
Resident Advisor
Hello! My name is Kai Russell, and I am a RA! I seek to improve life for Western students by fighting for equity and the rights that we deserve as student workers!
![Leo Curtis, WHOLE Food Pantry](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2814-scaled.jpeg)
Leo Curtis, WHOLE Food Pantry
Pantry Coordinator/Program Support Staff
I’m so excited for the ESE’s and their contract, and now it’s time for us to get our contract! I’m hoping to join bargaining committee to make a difference in my community and help OSEs get the rights we deserve 🙂
![Nikolao F C Pen, Disability Access Center](https://www.wawu-union.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Snapchat-1948142554.jpg)
Nikolao F C Pen, Disability Access Center
Notetaker
My name is Niko and I am a 3rd yead music major. In my time as a student worker, I have worked both ESE and OSE positions at WWU, and was involved with some organizing with the ESEs last year. Fighting for (and winning!) our first contract was one of the most empowering experiences of my life–the community that was built, and seeing everyone rally together was incredible. It’s time for the OSEs to win too–ALL student workers deserve the same, protected rights.