Strike & Bargaining FAQ – WAWU / OSEs & ESEs

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

❓ Why did we pause the strike?

Legislator Joe Timmons called the Bargaining Committee over the weekend suggesting a pause to allow our union and admin to deliberate. 

After hours of deliberation the bargaining committee decided to pause the strike to create space for productive daily bargaining meetings. 

Admin agreed to this condition, which shows our collective power. This pause was spurred by the power of our strike, it is not a sign of giving up—it’s a tactical move.

🔥 Are we still in control?

Yes. If meetings stop being productive or progress halts, we can—and will—resume the strike. The timing of the strike is in our hands. Graduation, finals, and move-out are peak leverage moments.

📅 When could the strike resume?

We will resume the strike if:

  • Admin stalls or backpedals
  • Daily meetings stop being productive
  • There’s no movement toward recognition

Over 100 folks (online and in person) attended the Monday 6/2 Strike Pause Mass Meeting. 

After hours of deliberation a TENTATIVE DEADLINE for Admin to agree to a deal JUNE 9TH MONDAY @ 5 AM. 

If admin fails to progress in our talks over the next two days, membership will decide this Wednesday 6/4 whether we move up the deadline. ES 418, Video call link: https://meet.google.com/qeq-daqg-xcj

🧱 What are our main demands?

We’re fighting for three pillars:

  1. Terms of the contract
  2. Enforcement and accountability
  3. Representation (including legal support through UAW lawyers)

Voluntary recognition = all three. Anything less is insufficient.

⭐Learn more @ the Grievance Procedure: Keeping Admin Accountable Teach-In 📝

TUESDAY 6/3 Miller 152 @ 6 Video call link: https://meet.google.com/vnd-fqma-jct]

🧭 How do we know if we’re making progress?

Progress looks like:

  • Daily, transparent, good-faith bargaining
  • Admin showing genuine understanding of our proposals
  • Clear commitment to the three pillars

Sabah saying “recognition contingent on legislation” is a Red Herring. Precedent for Voluntary Recognition between Employers and Employees is on our side! See ‘General Legal Questions’ in Strike FAQ. 

Admin has already shown more openness in meetings than before.

👥 Why weren’t OSEs included in the first contract?

OSE organizing wasn’t strong enough last year. The ESE win happened because of their organizing power. We’re building OSE power now. This is how we win our own recognition and contract.

⚖️ Can I get in trouble for respecting the strike?

If you’re an OSE: There is no statute (bill) that governs our type of student employment,  there is nothing legally barring you from striking. See ‘Would it be legal for OSEs to go on strike?’ in Strike FAQ.

If you’re an ESE: Your contract (Article 34.2) stipulates that you can respect the picket line, but should not say you are on strike. See ‘General Legal Questions’ in Strike FAQ. 

Use:

  • “I’m not crossing the picket for personal safety.”

“I support the strike and am taking safety precautions.”
ACE (Advocacy, Care, Enforcement) is here for support: ace@wawu-union.org

⚖️ Can I be disciplined?

There is no university policy that allows for discriminatory discipline (retaliation) for respecting a picket line.

Discipline must be:

  • Consistent
  • Reasonable
  • Justified

Admin has not formally disciplined any student worker for respecting the strike. Should they take disciplinary action contact ace@wawu-union.org. Any disciplinary action taken was appropriate and applied equally to every member of the bargaining unit. In other words: they’d have to take on all of us in order to take on one of us.

🚫 What about scabbing? Are there anti-scabbing rules?

This is a community-based union, not a trade union. There are no penalties for crossing the line. We don’t alienate members—we educate them.
The best approach: personal conversations, not punishment. We’re building a culture of care and power, not fear.

🗣 What should I say to my boss?
  • You do not have to tell your boss that you are on strike/plan to strike 
    • In fact, supervisors who ask are seeking to replace your labor with someone who won’t strike, thus diminishing our power. 
  • If you’re an OSE: “I’m on strike.”
  • If you’re an ESE: “I’m concerned for my personal safety and choosing not to cross the picket.” This is protected under our contract under article
📣 How will we know if we’re going back on strike?

Strike updates will be shared through:

  • Workplace meetings
  • Text threads
  • Email (yes, check them!)
  • Instagram
  • WAWU Discord

The folks attending the Mass Meeting on Monday have decided that Monday is Admin’s deadline for coming to a deal before we go back on strike. 

Should talks not progress tangibly over the next few days, membership will decide at Wednesday’s mass meeting to move up the deadline.

🎓 What about Graduation?

Yes. The university knows that disrupting commencement is a major pressure point. This makes them more likely to settle. If we strike then, it will be impactful.

🧠 What if people still don’t get it?

You’re not alone. Many are confused or overwhelmed. Talk to your coworkers. Keep conversations going. Personal outreach is more powerful than any flyer or email.

🧰 Who can help me?
  • ACE Committee: For retaliation concerns – ace@wawu-union.org
  • Bargaining Committee (BC): For strike strategy questions
  • Your coworkers: You’re not alone in this. Organize, discuss, support.
💬 Final Thoughts:

This is new for many of us. It’s normal to feel unsure or conflicted. But our strength lies in solidarity. Keep talking. Keep showing up. We win by staying together.

Follow @wawuunion on Insta for Updates

Join our Discord https://discord.gg/fxZnx7E7