As with many faculty of color on our campus, I was hired into the institution with a salary and startup that was below average for the university. UFWW representation helped me increase my salary and retention offer when I was being recruited by another institution.

-- Anonymous

As the granddaughter of a proud member of an auto union in the Midwest, I learned from a young age about the importance of protecting worker rights and addressing labor inequities through collective action. Being part of a unionized campus now, I see on a daily basis the value of having a space to organize with colleagues, push for transparency and equity, and hold the institution accountable for fair working conditions.

-- Natalie JK Baloy, Assistant Professor of Anthropology

The UFWW is deeply committed to supporting and advocating for faculty while remaining true to the core mission of what we do: academic scholarship, institutional investment and responsive, rigorous teaching to a diverse body of students.

-- Kate Destler, Associate Professor of Political Science

I wouldn't be able to afford to live in Bellingham without the UFWW.

-- Anonymous

Our bargaining power guarantees quality of life for faculty in ways I very much appreciate in the current higher ed landscape, particularly in comparison to some peer institutions that bleed their faculty dry in terms of time and commitments and do not consider faculty voice in decision-making. This has never been clearer than during the height of the pandemic and the ongoing negotiations about what a return to normal looks like.

-- Lindsay James, Assistant Professor of Inclusive Teaching

The opportunity to participate in the Union’s Senior Merit Working Group – in support of pay equity – was tremendously rewarding! And a great reminder of the positive changes that might happen if we work together with Union colleagues from across the university.

-- Jeanne Yeasting, Senior Instructor in English