ASE Bargaining Info & Strategy Session, Friday 3/5
What: Membership discussion of proposals for our first bargaining session
When: Friday March 5, 4-5pm
How to join: Fill out this short
RSVP form
Building on strong membership ratification of the initial bargaining demands last month, membership workgroups have begun to develop more specific contract proposals for when negotiations begin. All members are encouraged to join a bargaining info session on March 5 from 4-5pm to discuss these draft proposals — on topics including wages, fees, health insurance, campus climate, the EPIC program, childcare, and more. At the meeting, we’ll also discuss the contract campaign trajectory and how every member can get involved to help build power for a winning campaign.
What we can win in bargaining will be a direct function of our collective power and investment in each other — how many ASEs are union members, how effectively we can communicate and take action together, and more. All members are encouraged to get involved with organizing and proposal development. Check out this page for more information, and bookmark the ASE Bargaining Center to keep up to date on all aspects of bargaining.
International Students & In-Person Status
While much of the instruction at UW continues to be online, we are aware of cases where students have been taking in-person classes to maintain their visa status. This has usually been the case for those initiating or adjusting their F1 status. If you are taking an in-person class to satisfy visa requirements, please reach out to us at intl-workgroup@uaw4121.org. This information will help us in our advocacy efforts for students and instructors.
Support a More Equitable Family Leave Program in WA
Please sign the petition to expand paid family leave in Washington State! Two years ago, our union fought in coalition to pass the WA state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which is one of the most progressive leave programs in the country. As the program has been implemented, a number of
improvements are apparent, from making sure that employees taking leave won’t lose their jobs to making sure that ASEs and Postdocs can qualify for the eligibility requirements. The WA state legislature is currently considering legislation (HB 1073) to improve this program, which means we have a critical opportunity to make sure PFML is equitable and accessible for as many people as possible.
Sign this petition today to support a progressive improvement of this program so more workers across the state can take paid family and medical leave.
The 2021 Election Season Is Coming
With 2020 behind us, we are looking ahead to elections in 2021 which will include Seattle mayor and many city and county council seats in Bothell, Seattle, and Tacoma. The Political Workgroup is in the early process of researching and vetting candidates who are seeking our union’s endorsement. There are a few ways to get involved and support our political work across the Puget Sound Region:
- Join the Political Workgroup! Not only does this workgroup research and review candidates, we also host events like last year’s Coffee with Candidates series, giving 4121 members the chance to directly ask candidates questions; mobilize for candidates who will support members’ needs; and more. Email poltical@uaw4121.org to join the next meeting.
- Contribute to our Voluntary Community Action Program (aka VCAP)! Hundreds of members help build our collective political work by making monthly contributions of $2 or $5 to our VCAP fund. By pooling our resources together, we’re able to have a much greater impact on the political decisions that directly affect us than any of us would be able to have on our own. If you’re eligible to vote in the US, consider signing up to contribute to VCAP and help elect people who will fight for the things we need: affordable housing, climate and racial justice, worker’s rights, science and higher education funding, and more.
Speaking of $$$$, for those in Seattle, you may have received your Democracy Vouchers in the mail. Democracy Vouchers are a Seattle-only program that gives each resident four $25 vouchers to send to candidates of their choice. You can learn more and request vouchers here. Note that green card holders are eligible for Democracy Vouchers and can apply online. Need some insight on who to support? Hold on to them and wait for our endorsements later this summer!
Workshop: Sexual Harassment Prevention & Structural Analysis
Please join fellow 4121 members for the upcoming EPIC Action 2.0 workshop on Monday March 1st at 5 PM. This workshop analyzes power in our departments and the university to how we can address the structural causes of sexual harassment. We discuss decision makers, strategies, and action plans to address specific issues that cause inequitable environments in our departments. All levels of organizing ability welcome!
Click here to register.
Kshama Solidarity Phonebank Sunday 3PM with 350 Seattle
RSVP here to phonebank with the Kshama Solidarity Campaign and climate activists from 350 Seattle this Sunday 3-5PM. Kshama has never been afraid to stand up to big business and do what’s necessary to ensure a livable future for working and vulnerable people. Last year she used her council office to fight alongside the Tax Amazon movement and pass a historic big business tax to fund affordable housing and a Seattle Green New Deal. The state legislature in Olympia has threatened to undermine this victory, and Kshama is the only Seattle City Councilor to have come out in opposition to any form of preemption or phasing out of the Amazon Tax. This is just one example of why the right wing and big business want Kshama out of office, and why we need to defend her seat: she’s consistently the only politician standing in solidarity with our movements and fighting to raise the Amazon Tax for COVID relief, establish community control of the police, and implement a Green New Deal jobs program.
In Solidarity,
Douglas Avella-Castro
Leandro Casiraghi
Amanda Clouser
Max Friedfeld
Kaelie Giffel
Vern Harner
Dan Hart
Colleen Hoffman
Amzi Jeffs
Levin Kim
Kyle Kubler
Kristin McCowan
Erin Morgan
Emily Myers
Anzela Niraula
Jacob O’Connor
Elena Pandres
Nayon Park
Marissa Parker
David Parsons
Shua Sanchez
Paige Sechrest
Solmaz Shakerifard
Sam Sumpter
Samantha Thompson
Judy Twedt
Momona Yamagami
