The new leaders of the graduate student government at WSU are eager to team up with the student workers union. Their goal? To safeguard student workers amid looming budget cuts.
Bronwyn Valentine and Shae Ortega, the incoming president and vice president of the WSU Graduate and Professional Student Association, are no strangers to the union’s workings. Ortega expressed, “I’m really excited about this partnership.”
The union is set to renegotiate its collective bargaining contract. Valentine and Ortega believe working together is key to protecting student workers. “GPSA looks out for us as students, while our union looks out for us as workers. Combining our strengths lets us tackle challenges more effectively,” said Valentine.
They’re particularly concerned about threats from the federal government that could hurt higher education research. Ortega emphasized, “We need to find a way to defend ourselves. Funding is drying up, and we must stand united to preserve it.”
There’s some tension between the two groups, largely due to overlap in representation. Valentine feels that university leadership has stoked these divisions. “The divides keeping us apart are crafted by those in power,” she noted. “If we worked together, we’d be unstoppable.”
Another issue they plan to address is food security, a topic also raised in the recent ASWSU elections. They envision creating a native food forest on campus to feed students. Plus, they aim to secure $100,000 from the state to tackle food insecurities throughout the WSU system. “Food security is crucial right now,” Ortega said. “It provides the stability we need.”
### The Bigger Picture
This collaboration comes at a time when student workers face increasing challenges. According to a recent National Student Employment Report, over 70% of students are concerned about their financial stability. Additionally, nationwide surveys show more students are having trouble accessing enough food.
Experts emphasize that partnerships like the one between Valentine and Ortega can help address these issues effectively. Dr. Laura Stevens, a professor of social policy, notes that solidarity between student organizations can amplify their voices. “When students unite, they can advocate for better resources and protections,” she explains.
In the digital age, social media plays a crucial role in these movements. Hashtags like #StudentWorkerSolidarity and #FoodSecurity have gained traction, showing a growing community dedicated to student welfare.
In summary, the partnership between the GPSA and the student workers union is not just a local issue; it reflects a wider struggle for student rights and resources across the country. By collaborating on initiatives like food security, they’re taking proactive steps for their community’s future.
For more insights on student issues, you can check resources like the National Student Employment Association.
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