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WWU Student Workers Vote on Strike Authorization, Road Closures, and Old Town Development
Good morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Today marks the start of a significant vote for Western Washington University's operational student employees. Western Academic Workers United, known as WAWU, begins their strike authorization vote today, which will run through May 9. If approved, it would allow the union's bargaining committee to announce a strike at a later date. The union is seeking recognition as a bargaining entity to negotiate workplace rights. For the vote to pass, at least 51% of operational student employees must participate, with two-thirds voting in favor. This follows successful negotiations by the educational student employees branch of WAWU, which secured wage increases and job protections after a brief strike last year.
If you're planning to drive on Slater Road today, be prepared for delays. Lane closures are expected between 8am and 1pm due to bridge inspection work. Additionally, Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide, with no estimate yet for reopening.
Interstate 5 travelers should also plan ahead, as temporary lane closures through Bellingham will continue through Thursday. These closures are part of ongoing maintenance work and begin early morning, continuing until 2pm.
In development news, construction has begun on an ambitious 8-block Old Town development project. This initiative is expected to bring 800 new mixed-income residential units to Bellingham over the next decade.
The City of Bellingham recently received a $1.7 million grant for a community solar array. The project will generate energy revenues that will fund various community climate projects throughout the city.
A public opinion poll is currently running regarding a bill before Governor Ferguson that would increase littering fines from $50 to $125. Residents are weighing in on whether they believe the increased fine appropriately addresses the issue.
Looking ahead, drivers should be aware of upcoming fish passage replacement projects south of Bellingham. These projects, required by a 2013 court injunction, will impact I-5 traffic over the next three years.
For Lummi Island residents, the local fire district has implemented high fire danger restrictions during the ferry dry dock period. Large outdoor burn piles are prohibited and written permits are postponed until further notice.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
Today marks the start of a significant vote for Western Washington University's operational student employees. Western Academic Workers United, known as WAWU, begins their strike authorization vote today, which will run through May 9. If approved, it would allow the union's bargaining committee to announce a strike at a later date. The union is seeking recognition as a bargaining entity to negotiate workplace rights. For the vote to pass, at least 51% of operational student employees must participate, with two-thirds voting in favor. This follows successful negotiations by the educational student employees branch of WAWU, which secured wage increases and job protections after a brief strike last year.
If you're planning to drive on Slater Road today, be prepared for delays. Lane closures are expected between 8am and 1pm due to bridge inspection work. Additionally, Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide, with no estimate yet for reopening.
Interstate 5 travelers should also plan ahead, as temporary lane closures through Bellingham will continue through Thursday. These closures are part of ongoing maintenance work and begin early morning, continuing until 2pm.
In development news, construction has begun on an ambitious 8-block Old Town development project. This initiative is expected to bring 800 new mixed-income residential units to Bellingham over the next decade.
The City of Bellingham recently received a $1.7 million grant for a community solar array. The project will generate energy revenues that will fund various community climate projects throughout the city.
A public opinion poll is currently running regarding a bill before Governor Ferguson that would increase littering fines from $50 to $125. Residents are weighing in on whether they believe the increased fine appropriately addresses the issue.
Looking ahead, drivers should be aware of upcoming fish passage replacement projects south of Bellingham. These projects, required by a 2013 court injunction, will impact I-5 traffic over the next three years.
For Lummi Island residents, the local fire district has implemented high fire danger restrictions during the ferry dry dock period. Large outdoor burn piles are prohibited and written permits are postponed until further notice.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
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By Quiet. PleaseGood morning, this is your Bellingham Local Frequency for Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Today marks the start of a significant vote for Western Washington University's operational student employees. Western Academic Workers United, known as WAWU, begins their strike authorization vote today, which will run through May 9. If approved, it would allow the union's bargaining committee to announce a strike at a later date. The union is seeking recognition as a bargaining entity to negotiate workplace rights. For the vote to pass, at least 51% of operational student employees must participate, with two-thirds voting in favor. This follows successful negotiations by the educational student employees branch of WAWU, which secured wage increases and job protections after a brief strike last year.
If you're planning to drive on Slater Road today, be prepared for delays. Lane closures are expected between 8am and 1pm due to bridge inspection work. Additionally, Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide, with no estimate yet for reopening.
Interstate 5 travelers should also plan ahead, as temporary lane closures through Bellingham will continue through Thursday. These closures are part of ongoing maintenance work and begin early morning, continuing until 2pm.
In development news, construction has begun on an ambitious 8-block Old Town development project. This initiative is expected to bring 800 new mixed-income residential units to Bellingham over the next decade.
The City of Bellingham recently received a $1.7 million grant for a community solar array. The project will generate energy revenues that will fund various community climate projects throughout the city.
A public opinion poll is currently running regarding a bill before Governor Ferguson that would increase littering fines from $50 to $125. Residents are weighing in on whether they believe the increased fine appropriately addresses the issue.
Looking ahead, drivers should be aware of upcoming fish passage replacement projects south of Bellingham. These projects, required by a 2013 court injunction, will impact I-5 traffic over the next three years.
For Lummi Island residents, the local fire district has implemented high fire danger restrictions during the ferry dry dock period. Large outdoor burn piles are prohibited and written permits are postponed until further notice.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
Today marks the start of a significant vote for Western Washington University's operational student employees. Western Academic Workers United, known as WAWU, begins their strike authorization vote today, which will run through May 9. If approved, it would allow the union's bargaining committee to announce a strike at a later date. The union is seeking recognition as a bargaining entity to negotiate workplace rights. For the vote to pass, at least 51% of operational student employees must participate, with two-thirds voting in favor. This follows successful negotiations by the educational student employees branch of WAWU, which secured wage increases and job protections after a brief strike last year.
If you're planning to drive on Slater Road today, be prepared for delays. Lane closures are expected between 8am and 1pm due to bridge inspection work. Additionally, Chuckanut Drive remains closed due to a rockslide, with no estimate yet for reopening.
Interstate 5 travelers should also plan ahead, as temporary lane closures through Bellingham will continue through Thursday. These closures are part of ongoing maintenance work and begin early morning, continuing until 2pm.
In development news, construction has begun on an ambitious 8-block Old Town development project. This initiative is expected to bring 800 new mixed-income residential units to Bellingham over the next decade.
The City of Bellingham recently received a $1.7 million grant for a community solar array. The project will generate energy revenues that will fund various community climate projects throughout the city.
A public opinion poll is currently running regarding a bill before Governor Ferguson that would increase littering fines from $50 to $125. Residents are weighing in on whether they believe the increased fine appropriately addresses the issue.
Looking ahead, drivers should be aware of upcoming fish passage replacement projects south of Bellingham. These projects, required by a 2013 court injunction, will impact I-5 traffic over the next three years.
For Lummi Island residents, the local fire district has implemented high fire danger restrictions during the ferry dry dock period. Large outdoor burn piles are prohibited and written permits are postponed until further notice.
This has been Bellingham Local Frequency. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.