The University of Washington (UW) and a union representing academic student workers have seemingly reached deal, ending a one-day strike.
The tentative agreement came hours after thousands of student employees went on strike Tuesday after union representatives and the university failed to agree to provisions Monday night. The union, United Auto Workers Local 4121, said the deal was reached Tuesday.
The organization said the new agreement includes a 36 percent increase to the base salary over the contract, which is the largest raise its bargaining unit has won in a contract. The deal also includes increases in hourly wages, more reimbursements for childcare and improvements to health care coverage.
The union also said on its website that the deal includes paid time off for immigration appointments and hearings.
The strike on Tuesday came after months of bargaining sessions between union representatives and university officials began in February. The union represents 6,000 academic student employees, including teaching assistants, researchers, tutors and others.
UW spokesperson Victor Balta confirmed in a statement that the university reached an agreement with the union. He said the union still needs to ratify the contract in a vote they expect to happen this week.
“We are pleased to report that we've reached an agreement with UAW Local 4121, the union representing academic student employees on a new contract,” he said in a statement.
“The union has also agreed to suspend the strike pending the outcome of the ratification vote. Details on the full agreement will be made available soon,” Balta added.
