SEIU 925 represents nearly 7,000 workers at University of Washington and says 83.3% of its members voted "no" on the school's latest contract offer that was presented on Sept. 21.

Unionized workers include laboratory technicians, campus security personnel, medical interpreters, social workers, researchers, administrative staff and other essential employees.

SEIU 925 said UW's "last, best, and final" contract offer lacked wage increases, additional paid time off and artificial intelligence protections, prompting them to hit the picket lines on Thursday, Oct. 1.

Pickets are planned across all UW campuses, including at UW Medical Center at Montlake and Pacific, Harborview Medical Center, and Red Square on the Seattle campus.