Negotiations Recap for April 6, 2015
This recap details the sixth bargaining session between the UW and the UWHA to form the first union contract for UW medical and dental residents and fellows (collectively referred to below as “trainees”).
UWHA Parking Presentation
UWHA proposed that trainees receive cost-neutral parking at all training sites, and delivered a presentation in support of this goal. UWHA maintained that trainees should be treated differently from all other UW employees with regard to parking. UWHA noted that trainees are a unique type of employee with unconventional hours and the need to travel to multiple training sites, which limits the efficacy of public transit options and often necessitates driving to work.
UW stated that such a proposal will need to be evaluated in the context of, among other things, the overall economic impact of the union’s proposals, and that the UW is still awaiting further financial proposals from the union.
UW Proposals
UW put forth the following proposals in response to UWHA’s proposal on leaves of absence:
Vacation Leave – UW proposed that full-time trainees receive 21 vacation days (15 weekdays and 6 weekend days) at the start of each one-year appointment period. This would be pro-rated for trainees appointed to less than full time but greater than a 0.5 FTE (full-time equivalent), and would not apply to trainees working less than a 0.5 FTE.
Sick Leave – UW proposed that full-time trainees receive 17 days (12 weekdays and 5 weekend days) of paid sick and health maintenance leave at the start of each one year appointment period. This would be pro-rated for trainees appointed to less than full time but greater than a 0.5 FTE, and would not apply to trainees working less than a 0.5 FTE.
Holidays – UW proposed language securing trainees’ right to observe all official holidays recognized by the training site at which they are assigned when the holiday occurs, clinical and educational responsibilities permitting, in the place of UWHA’s proposal to establish a universal set of holidays across sites.
UW also proposed language to codify WAC 82-56, whereby trainees would be eligible for up to two workdays of leave without pay per calendar year for reason of faith or conscience.
Tentative Agreement
Nondiscrimination – The parties tentatively agreed to language affirming their mutual commitment to not discriminate against any employee based on any classification, including discrimination in the form of sexual harassment. The language also highlights resources available to any employee in need of filing a discrimination complaint.
Next Steps
UWHA requested that the parties’ next meeting be postponed from April 22 to April 30.