University of Washington advisers have filed an Unfair Labor Practice complaint with the state Public Employment Relations Commission, alleging that the university deliberately withheld merit pay from advisers to undermine unionization efforts. The complaint details that since June 2024, hundreds of advisers across multiple campuses have suffered withheld pay—potentially amounting to nearly $700,000 by the end of February—interpreted as a tactic to quash union activities and discourage worker collective action.

A tentative agreement was reached after over 6,000 UW academic student employees struck for equal pay, securing wage increases and retaining zero‑premium healthcare pending ratification. The deal comes after extensive bargaining and is seen as a positive step for worker rights.

After a one-day strike on May 14, 2024, academic student employees at the University of Washington, represented by UAW Local 4121, secured a landmark contract. The agreement provides a historic cumulative 36% raise over three years along with enhanced benefits such as zero-cost healthcare premiums, paid leave for immigration hearings, and vision coverage. This outcome underscores the growing power of academic unions and advances labor rights within the university setting.

UW filed an unfair labor practice complaint alleging that union members engaged in intimidating behavior and disrupted administrative operations during the strike, a move seen as undermining the legitimate rights of academic workers.

Academic student employees at the University of Washington held a sit-in protest on May 2, 2024, demanding fair wages, improved healthcare, and better working conditions amid ongoing contract negotiations. The protest, organized by UAW Local 4121, highlights the challenges faced by ASEs in a high-cost city and critiques proposed cost-cutting measures affecting employee benefits.

The University of Washington has issued detailed guidelines for its employees on federal lobbying disclosures in compliance with the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. The disclosure page sets clear coordination protocols and reporting deadlines for lobbying activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in political engagement.

The OpenSecrets profile reveals that the University of Washington reported over $3.23 million in political contributions and $760,000 in lobbying expenditures for the 2024 cycle, and highlights a revolving door with multiple lobbyists having previously held government positions.

The University of Washington has outlined detailed guidelines and reporting requirements for state lobbying activities, ensuring transparency and legal compliance in its engagement with state government. These measures include a structured process for compiling and submitting lobbying activities and expenditures, which helps ensure accountability and public oversight.

The University of Washington's Center for Human Rights released a report, as highlighted in 'Federal aid is supercharging local WA police surveillance tech', which outlines the dangers of automated license plate readers on immigrant and reproductive rights. The report challenges local law enforcement practices bolstered by federal funding, reflecting an anti-authoritarian stance.

The University of Washington has affirmed its commitment to protecting workers' rights by adopting rigorous Labor Code Standards through its affiliations with the Fair Labor Association and the Worker Rights Consortium. These standards cover wages, benefits, working hours, health and safety, and are monitored globally to prevent abusive labor practices.

The Tech Policy Lab at the University of Washington, established in 2013, unites faculty from engineering, information, and law to drive research and policy discussions. The initiative aims to enhance technology policy and promote inclusive, democratic practices by addressing issues such as police surveillance and the misuse of technology.