Temple University’s Resident Assistants (RAs), Peer Mentors (PMs) and Residence Hall Association Executive Board Members (RHAs) have submitted a letter to the University’s President announcing their intent to join Office and Professional Employees (OPEIU) Local 153.  Members of the Temple Union of Resident Assistants (TURA) requested voluntary recognition from the administration and hope to secure a contract with fair wages, improved job security and better working conditions for current and future RAs, PMs and RHAs.  These critical roles contribute to fostering a welcoming, supportive and safe environment for undergraduate students as they navigate the college experience.  However, TURA Members are not paid directly for their work, instead receiving $200 off of their tuition per semester, subsidized housing and a meal plan.  While helpful, this compensation is far from adequate for many RAs who rely on this job to finance their education, which can cost over $40,000 per year.  Temple also limits the number of hours these Workers can log per week outside of their university residential life jobs, making it difficult for TURA Members to find other sources of income.  “Temple RAs are some of the kindest, most hard-working people I’ve ever met,” Temple RA Jam Stebbins said. “We love our job and we love our residents, but many of us can’t afford to keep doing this if something doesn’t change.”