Labor Relations

Negotiations Recap for January 21, 2016

This recap summarizes the 16th bargaining session between the UW and the UWHA to form the first union contract for UW medical and dental residents and fellows. This was the second session to be facilitated by a State-appointed mediator.

Union Proposals

Union Dues – UWHA proposed to require all residents and fellows in the bargaining unit to pay union dues or a representation fee as a condition of employment. Failure to pay the union could result in the resident or fellow being terminated from their program.

Management Rights – UWHA rejected and replaced UW’s proposal regarding the rights and responsibilities retained by the University, deleting language that outlined UW’s ability to decide on the facilities and equipment used for patient care and UW’s role in educational policy decisions, as well as acknowledgement that the parties must adhere to state and national requirements.

Just Cause – UWHA proposed language memorializing the practice of only administering discipline where just cause exists, and prefaced an upcoming union proposal on an academic grievance process.

Housestaff Committees – UWHA accepted several elements of UW’s proposed union-management committee, in which three representatives from either party would meet regularly to discuss wide-ranging matters. UWHA proposed memorializing a standing position on numerous committees for a UWHA representative, for which UW expressed support.

Tentative Agreements

Extended Leave – The parties tentatively agreed that eligible residents and fellows may receive up to 12 weeks of paid leave during their UW appointment. Qualifying conditions are generally severe, extraordinary, or life-threatening illness or injury (which could include suicidal ideation or substance abuse disorder requiring extended inpatient treatment). To be eligible, a resident/fellow must have already exhausted their available vacation and sick leave.

Vacation Leave – The parties formalized a tentative agreement on vacation leave, whereby residents and fellows will receive 21 vacation days (15 weekdays and 6 weekend days) at the start of each one-year appointment period. This will be pro-rated for residents/fellows appointed to less than full-time but greater than a 0.5 FTE (full-time equivalent), and will not apply to those working less than a 0.5 FTE.

Sick Leave – The parties formalized a tentative agreement on sick leave, whereby residents and fellows will 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 will be pro-rated for residents/fellows appointed to less than full-time but greater than a 0.5 FTE, and will not apply to those working less than a 0.5 FTE.

Bereavement Leave – The parties tentatively agreed that residents and fellows will be eligible for up to three days of paid leave for the death of a family member, as well as one additional day if significant travel is required, and two additional days if overseas travel is required.

Next Steps

The next UW-UWHA bargaining mediation session is scheduled for January 25.