I’m writing as a concerned American University community member to urge you to settle a fair union contract with the 500+ academic staff united in SEIU Local 500. AU prides itself on its core values of integrity, community and human dignity. Yet at the bargaining table, the university administration has offered staff — among them some of the lowest-paid workers at AU — no more than 2% or less guaranteed annual raises over 3 years. As inflation continues to rise, this proposal effectively lowers inflation-adjusted wages and it will continue the cycle of constant staff turnover and short staffing. AU contradicts its own values when it asks essential staff to do more for students with less support while the university is amassing unprecedented financial resources. The numbers reveal that you can do right by these workers. According to AU’s most recent financial statement, the university’s net worth grew by $229 million in the past year. On top of that, the "Change Can't Wait" fundraising campaign is well on its way toward raising $500 million from donors. The academic staff at AU are the heart and soul of our beloved institution, providing care and support to students in multiple ways including advising, career support, research, and academic support. They are vital in fulfilling AU’s commitment to its students and in creating students’ sense of belonging at AU. When staff thrive, students thrive. But right now, staff are leaving in droves for higher-paid positions at other universities - or working second and third jobs to make ends meet. At a time of abundance for AU, refusing to settle fair contracts with SEIU Local 500 members goes against the values AU says it promotes. The university must do everything it can to support these workers and I call on you to settle a fair and equitable contract to end the strike, which is happening at a crucial moment of the school year. Until that happens, I’ll continue to stand with these workers, support their legally-protected right to strike, and encourage others to join us.