Labor Relations

Negotiations Recap for February 26, 2015

This recap details the seventh session for renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UAW.

International Student Fee Discussion

Union Testimonials

UAW and several students provided testimonials opposing the International Student Fee. The union complained that the fee focuses on compliance with visa requirements and federal laws, but does not feel like it improves the lives of international students themselves.

UAW suggested that the fee is discriminatory, asserting that other fees at UW are socialized across all students or all union members. The union described a perception of unfairness when the fee applies to students from nearby places like British Columbia, while not applying to students from more geographically distant parts of the US.

Follow-up Discussion

UAW requested more information on the services supported by the fee. UW notified the union that it arranged for representatives from the UW’s Office of Planning and Budgeting to attend the parties’ upcoming bargaining session and provide further details regarding the fee.

UAW Proposals

Grievance Procedure – UAW proposed language to make Step One of the current grievance procedure optional, and to allow grievances to be filed to Step Two. UAW also proposed that the parties establish standing arbitration hearings during November, February, May, and August of each year of the contract, with the goal of consolidating and expediting hearings.

UAW withdrew its proposal for any missed deadline on the UW’s part to automatically award the union’s proposed remedy.

Unpaid Holidays for Reasons of Faith or Conscience – UAW proposed a memorandum to codify and supplement recently enacted legislation. UAW proposed that leave without pay be granted for up to two workdays per year for reason of faith or conscience, to which ASEs could apply paid leave in lieu of leave without pay.

Next Steps

The next UW-UAW bargaining session is scheduled for March 4.