Researchers on the University of Washington in Seattle are on strike this week, demanding higher wages, baby assist and harassment coaching.

Nearly 2,400 hanging researchers gathered at UW’s Red Square on Wednesday to attract consideration to the strike. The researchers work in varied fields, together with local weather change and well being care. Due to the strike, lots of their tasks shall be placed on maintain.

One of crucial points to the researchers is pay. Many of the audio system at Wednesday’s rally mentioned they had been unable to afford well being care and housing on their present salaries.

“You have skills that no one else has. Your research and knowledge fuels this university. You deserve to have a life where you are not struggling. You deserve to thrive,” researcher Beth Martin mentioned on the rally.

The minimal wage for researchers at UW is round $53,000.

The college was disenchanted by the strike and mentioned that it has supplied vital pay raises to analysis scientists and postdoctoral researchers, together with a mean 15% wage enhance.

“The end of spring quarter marks a time where we would like to be coming together as a community to celebrate the incredible academic achievements of our students — not divided over contract negotiations,” the college mentioned in an announcement.

The researchers are additionally on the lookout for elevated advantages. Some of the researchers mentioned they will’t pay for baby care and wish higher provisions in place for his or her youngsters. They additionally need enchancment to the sexual harassment coaching they obtain.

Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com