The United Campus Workers of Utah's Living Wage Campaign aims to reduce the disparity between campus workers’ stagnant wages and the skyrocketing cost of living. This is a vitally important issue at two of Utah’s largest campuses, the University of Utah and Utah State University. This campaign is crucial because working conditions directly impact the quality of education and support available to students. When these workers are paid fair wages, it not only ensures their well-being but also enhances their ability to contribute effectively to the educational environment. Also, The University of Utah and Utah State University are some of the largest employers in the State of Utah. Better wages for campus workers will raise the tide for countless other workers throughout the State of Utah.
 

Investing in living wages for campus staff means investing in better learning conditions, improved student support, and a stronger, more vibrant academic community. This campaign is about creating a sustainable and equitable framework that benefits everyone — by supporting fair compensation for those who nurture and educate our future leaders, we foster a more resilient and thriving educational system for all.

We, the undersigned members and supporters of the United Campus Workers of Utah, are writing to demand an increase in our current wages to match the living wage.

We demand the following, immediate changes:

• A minimum hourly wage of $21 per hour at USU and $23 per hour at UofU
• A minimum 12-month stipend for all graduate students of $43,000 at USU and $47,000 at UofU
• A minimum annual salary for full-time employees of $43,000 at USU and $47,000 at UofU (not including Benefits)
• Annual 5% pay increases for all employees

The university only functions because its employees show up for work every day. Whether that continues to happen depends on the wages and working conditions at the job.