Negotiations Recap for July 31, 2014
This recap details the third session for the renewal of the master collective bargaining agreement between the UW and SEIU 925 for the 2015-17 contract term.
SEIU 925 Proposals
Shift Differentials – SEIU 925 proposed increasing the evening and night shift differentials for campus-wide employees to $1.50 and $2 per hour, respectively, and for healthcare professional/laboratory technical employees to $2 and $2.75 per hour, respectively.
SEIU 925 also proposed making several broadcast media and campus security job classifications eligible for evening and night shift differential, standby pay, and weekend pay.
Rest Between Shifts – SEIU 925 proposed a rest between shifts premium for all SEIU 925-represented patient care positions, using registered nurse language from the SEIU 1199 contract.
Eligible employees would be paid at a time and one-half rate for any hours worked within their designated time off between shifts: 12 consecutive hours off for employees on eight or nine hour shifts, and eight hours off for employees scheduled on 10 or 12 hour shifts.
Respiratory Therapist Preceptor – SEIU 925 proposed a preceptor premium of $3 per hour for respiratory therapists at UW Medical Center.
Representation – SEIU 925 proposed that the University waive its right to oppose any efforts by the union to add new bargaining units.
Medical Interpreter Wages – SEIU 925 proposed increasing pay for job classifications in the Medical Interpreter series by six pay ranges.
Restraint Premium – SEIU 925 proposed that a $1.50 premium pay be added to all hours worked for public safety officers and sergeants who have been trained to assist clinical staff with the restraint of patients. SEIU 925 reported that all current officers and sergeants have been trained.
UW Proposals
Access to Policies and Procedures – In response to SEIU 925’s proposal, UW proposed that the parties form a joint committee to meet at least quarterly to explore ways to improve access to written and electronic policies and procedures.
Removal of Disciplinary Documents – In response to SEIU 925’s proposal, UW proposed that any formal counseling be eligible for removal after three years except those for workplace violence or violation of University policies against harassment, discrimination or retaliation.
Union Access – In response to SEIU 925’s proposal, UW proposed language memorializing the union’s right to enter the workplace at reasonable times and with prior notification to management in order to exercise its representational duties. The language establishes that the union may not interfere with an employee’s work assignment, and that meetings with employees are restricted to nonworking time.
Unauthorized Absence – UW proposed language whereby an employee who neither appears for work nor reports their absence on three consecutive shifts would be deemed to have resigned. The language would allow the affected employee to submit a petition for reinstatement within ten calendar days of the termination notice being mailed.
Tentative Agreements
Article 18.5: Removal of Disciplinary Documents – The parties tentatively agreed that formal counseling will be removed after three years at the written request of the employee, provided that there has been no subsequent corrective action, and that circumstances set forth in writing do not warrant a longer retention period, as determined by the University.
This provision does not apply to formal counseling for workplace violence or violation of University policies against harassment, discrimination or retaliation.
Article 26.2: Union Access – The parties tentatively agreed to UW’s proposed language memorializing the union’s rights and restrictions with regard to accessing employees and the workplace.
Side Letter: Policies and Procedures – The parties tentatively agreed to form a joint committee within 120 days of the contract’s ratification, which will meet at least quarterly to explore ways to improve access to written and electronic policies and procedures. At the first meeting, the committee will establish the subsequent meeting dates for the 21 months to follow.
Next Steps
The next UW-SEIU 925 bargaining session is scheduled for August 7.