Nearly 300 Boston University resident assistants, graduate resident assistants, and graduate hall assistants are gearing up to hit the bricks for a four-day strike starting Friday. The workers, united under the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 509, are making good on their threat due to stalled contract negotiations with the university.
The strike action includes a rally planned for noon on Marsh Plaza, and picketing during campus tours over the busy holiday weekend, the university officials, they've got a plan to keep the residence halls running smoothly sans the usual staff.
In a campus-wide communique, BU Dean of Students Jason Campbell-Foster defended the decision to strike as "a fundamental right," but expressed his belief that the move to walk out was premature. “Voting to strike, while a serious decision at any point during contract negotiations, is a fundamental right afforded to you. I am certain that you did not come to this conclusion without deep consideration for the impact it will have on the experiences of the residents you have been caring for. There is more work to be done at the bargaining table, and while I believe declaring a strike is unnecessary, given our progress on key issues, we respect your right to do so.” Campbell-Foster wrote in a message obtained by Boston University.
The picketing comes amidst another labor dispute at the university, with the Graduate Workers Union also on strike since March 25, demanding higher stipends and improved benefits. Despite sitting down at the negotiation table seven times, the two camps have yet to break a stalemate on several fronts — including mental health training, compensation, and workload.
According to a BU press release, resLife union members are hungry for more than just the offered perks like free housing, and meal plans. They're after additional financial compensation, too, which they say is overdue for the around-the-clock responsibilities they shoulder. “Housing as compensation does not acknowledge the critical role we fulfill around the clock at the university. Between unpaid training time and managing the high RA-to-student ratios, many of us are struggling to find financial and academic stability. BU has the resources to invest in us as workers, and settling a fair contract would bring us closer to a more equitable campus for all.” Jasmine A. Richardson, a second-year RA, said in a statement provided by the union.
For those students living on campus — which includes about 75% of the undergraduate population — services like security and emergency response will remain in effect, run by professional Residence Life staff and unaffected by the strike. Any emergencies are still to be reported to the usual numbers.
