Students find comfort in being part of a union

continued from pg. 1 is working closely with Sonoma State and its students to make sure these student-employees are in the best position that they could be in. It is important to first build rapport, to survey and get the groundwork started, Black said, “This is the backing, pushing for the spread of knowledge, their voices are the power.”

After word is spread, students are encouraged to visit the CSUEU website or scan the QR code and fill out the “CSU Student Workers Union Authorization” card form. This allows students to join the union and work together to form better working conditions. In addition to signing this authorization card, students can become advocates and are responsible for spreading more information, surveying, and identifying potential leaders.

Leaders that get voted in by the union members write contracts, voice the concerns, and represent the student assistants. Black said, “We really need the students to step up and step in. We are trying to empower these students through the union to get bargaining chips for their work conditions.” Since unions are democratic, union members vote on things like union dues, representation of the student-employees, and what protections and improvements students want in their contract.

Student-employees who work under a union have some perks and other benefits that their counterparts may not have. The Learning and Resource Center (LARC) on SSU is a program that has a union. Taylor Gordon, a third year undergrad in literature criticism in English is also a tutor and assistant director for the LARC.

“This is the best place to work. Everyone has a voice and everything is paid for here,” Gaydon said. “They care about you, you really feel cared for. I’ve accepted that I’m leaving Sonoma State, but I haven’t accepted that I’m leaving the LARC.”

Taylor has been working with the LARC for four years and is appreciative of the experience she has learned. These student-employees are a part of a diverse community who thrive on the support and direction of their peers. Jared Iverson, a third-year double major in math and bio chemistry spends his time tutoring in the LARC center. Iverson said, “a union would be very beneficial for student-employees, especially for younger students. They have rights and their work is their worth which is not to be abused by higher power. They only think their time is important, but the students’ time is just as important.”

Bessa added, “One thing that I would advocate to other bikers on campus is the importance of helmets. Before embarking on a ride, I would always make sure to strap up my helmet and make sure my head was fully protected!”