On January 27, our union introduced a bond measure to the Washington state legislature to raise six billion dollars over six years to fund Washington state research and science. Over the next two years, we’ll be partnering with Washington state legislators like State Senator Vandana Slatter to create a state-wide Institute of Scientific Advancement that would serve as a critical funding source for life-saving research. The goals of this project include:
- Funding research on clean energy generation
- Developing new translational technologies to drive economic growth in Washington
- Supporting biomedical and public health research
- Restoring funding to climate- and DEI-related projects with canceled federal funding
- Maintaining the University of Washington’s status as a world-class research institution
…and to ensure that our academic student employees, our postdoctoral researchers, our staff scientists, engineers, coordinators and consultants have more job security, earn a fair wage, and get to keep doing the work we are so passionate about.
On February 19th, we are rallying in Olympia in support of this bond measure.
This bond is just one example of what UAW 4121 can win when union members fight together. Here at UW, Research Staff and Postdocs are fighting for fair contracts, for improvements to working conditions, and for livable wages. At the state and federal level, union members are fighting to maintain research as a public good, to ensure science – not politics – drives decisions on funding, and to keep our non-citizen workers safe.
You are needed to achieve any of these goals. Joining your union is about living your values – it’s about securing a future for anyone who wants a career in higher ed or science – it’s about all of us investing a small amount to leverage our power as workers, students, educators, and researchers to achieve victories that lift up everyone.
Join the majority and take the first step to winning these fights, by becoming a union member today. And if you’re eligible to vote, then sign up to give $6 per month, or $3 per paycheck, to contribute to our collective resources for passing research funding in Washington through VCAP.
Then, join your fellow union members and come to Olympia on February 19 (RSVP Here!), to help secure the future of research in Washington state!
Raising over $6 billion for research isn’t easy, so it needs to be a priority. Let your colleagues and your PI know about how we have the opportunity to get state research funding and about supporting this work. In particular, we’ll be seeking 4121 members, as well as other science and research stakeholders (such as faculty and UW leadership) willing to help advocate for this bill, SB 6321. Be sure to share how you can help, when you RSVP for the 2/19 rally!
Can’t wait to see you there,
Natalie Wellen, President UAW 4121
Abby Gambrill, Vice President UAW 4121