By Jason Sibert
The Washington University Graduate Workers Union held a demonstration yesterday on campus to fight for 15 dollars an hours in pay and childcare subsides.
The union and its supporters gathered around Danforth University Center in the beginning. The Graduate Workers Union represents teaching assistants and food service and support workers at Washington University. Many displayed signs that said “show me 15,” America needs unions,” “graduate workers stand united,” and “Jobs with Justice Stands with Unions.” Graduate student worker Santiago Rozo-Sanchez addressed the crowd in the beginning and pointed out the need for a living wage and said that some demonstrators are sitting in the university’s chancellor’s office in support of the cause.
“Being here is an enormous privilege,” Rozo-Sanchez said. “This is one of the biggest employers in St. Louis. Let’s make it a better version of itself.”
St. Louis resident Shannon Duffy, a member of the United Media Guild, attended and said she did so because “workers deserve a living wage.” She said much money flows to Washington University and that graduate workers deserve more than a poverty wage. Phoebe Love, who is a graduate of Washington University Law School, also said she attended to support a living wage.
Cody Burleson, who works for the non-profit Jobs with Justice, was also among the demonstrators. Jobs with Justice helped organize supporters for the event.
“This is a peak action to help these workers win 15 dollars an hour and childcare subsides,” Burleson said. “Washington University is largest employers around. They should be paying a living wage.”
Approximately 150 demonstrators marched around the campus and in and out of buildings chanting slogans like “get up, get down, St. Louis is a union town,” “if we don’t get it, shut in down,” and “we are the union, the mighty union.” They were greeted with smiles and thumbs up by some working in the university’s cafeterias as they demonstrated. After marching, they gathered in the area in front of the chancellor’s office and continued to chant. Rabbi Susan Talve of the Central Reform Congregation addressed the crowd.
“As a rabbi and a human being I want to stand with the workers,” Talve said. “I want to encourage others to do the same thing.”
Talve is a Washington University parent, contributor, and she also hold an honorary doctorate from the university.
“These people should be paid a living wage,” she said. “It helps the bottom line of the whole region and the soul of the region.”
At the end of the demonstration, some sang the union song “Solidarity Forever.” Others said they would camp out outside the chancellor’s office in support of the cause.
Jason Sibert is the executive director of the Peace Economy Project.
