In the world of higher education, students have to juggle extracurricular activities, coursework, and tuition bills, making advocacy and solidarity critical. This is especially true for student workers, who deal with the difficulties of below-minimum wage, constantly rising tuition costs and balancing their school, work and personal lives.
These struggles emphasize the importance of on-campus student unions, such as the newly founded Augustana Student Worker Alliance (ASWA). Even though it has not been officially recognized as a union, it allows people’ voices to be heard and students to play a direct role in figuring out a solution that can improve conditions for students who work on campus.
Being a part of the ASWA is more than just a call to action; it’s a calculated step toward creating an environment where student workers are respected and get paid properly for their work. By joining, students have a voice in making decisions that would affect their financial well-being, as they bargain for greater pay through collective bargaining through the union.
One of the most pressing issues confronting student workers at Augie is the wages.The current minimum wage of the state of Illinois is $13 per hour, which is slated to increase to $14 by January 2024. Until recently, the wages for student workers were $10 per hour, and $11.25 for supervisors/skilled positions, which account for about 18% of all student workers, according to an email sent out by Kirk Anderson, chief financial officer and vice president of administration.
In an attempt to address this concern, Augie recently raised wages by a mere 25 cents. While this raise is appreciated, this gesture can be seen as a symbolic nod to the financial struggles of student workers rather than a solution. A quarter cannot take care of the expenses students face, especially when tuition fees continue to skyrocket.
This takes us to yet another important point: the continuous increase in tuition fees. Recently, Anderson sent an email to the student body about the newly increased tuition, which would force students to pay an extra $1,678 to attend next year.
Having to spend more money will put a huge pressure on students struggling financially, impacting their ability to pay for their education. Putting this in perspective, the 25 cent raise seems insignificant, offensive and tone-deaf.
A united front through the ASWA can pressure college administration to reconsider raising tuition every year. By advocating for more reasonable tuition policies, students and the college can work towards a goal where education remains accessible without a huge strain on the budget.
ASWA is currently looking to establish itself as an actual union. That means getting student workers who want to get involved to give their signatures and advocate for the union. Interim Director of ASWA Brayden Atkisson, a sophomore political science major, it working to collect signatures.
“We’re hoping to hold more events to get more cards signed in the next couple of weeks and months possibly,” Atkisson said. “There will also be an open house where people can come in, ask questions and advocate for things that they would like to see in the union.”
The first meeting for the student union was on Tuesday, Nov. 14 on the 2nd floor of the library. Students can get further information about future meetings on the @augieunion Instagram account.
Non-student workers are also encouraged to get involved.
“Those who aren’t student workers on campus can help by passing out cards, spreading the words, referring friends and things that could make us reach more people,” Akisson said.
The difficulties that Augustana College’s student workers endure highlight how important it is for higher education to have a union. ASWA is a significant first step toward amplifying the voices of students and addressing the pressing issues of low wages and rising tuition, opening doors for a more welcoming and affordable college future.