Minimum Wage Agreements with Unions: January 4, 2016
UW reached agreement with WFSE and SEIU 925 on implementing a new minimum wage for employees represented by each union, according to the following schedule:
- Effective January 1, 2016: Employees whose wages are less than $13 per hour (or $2,253 per month, for employees paid a monthly rate) will be placed at a pay step/rate that is at least $13 per hour (or at least $2,253 per month). This change will first be reflected on the January 25, 2016 paycheck for affected employees.
- Effective January 1, 2017: Employees whose wages are less than $15 per hour (or $2,600 per month) will be placed at a pay step/rate that is at least $15 per hour ($2,600 per month).
- Compression Discussions: UW committed to discuss any resulting issues related to wage compression as part of contract negotiations with each union, as well as during several additional meetings in the lead-up to negotiations.
In addition to hourly employees, these negotiated agreements cover employees who are paid a monthly rate and who receive benefits. For hourly, non-benefits eligible UW employees, UW’s increases will match the provisions of the City of Seattle’s minimum wage ordinance, and UW’s benefits-eligible employees will reach $15 a full year before the City’s plan.