Negotiations Recap for May 2, 2016
This recap summarizes the 24th bargaining session between the UW and the UWHA to form the first union contract for UW medical and dental residents and fellows (collectively called “Residents” below). This was the 10th session to be facilitated by a State-appointed mediator.
Synopsis
UW supplemented its proposed stipend increases with a home call stipend, to recognize the unique financial burden for many Residents who must live in centrally-located areas to be proximal to several Seattle training hospitals. UW also proposed covering Residents’ medical/dental license fees during training, in addition to a personal professional development fund. The union relayed appreciation for UW’s home call stipend proposal, and both parties acknowledged that progress was made at this session.
UW Proposals
Stipend Increases – UW proposed stipend increases as follows:
- Upon Ratification: 3 percent across-the-board increase for year one of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
- Subsequent Increases: 2.5 percent across-the-board increases each year for the subsequent three contract years.
Home Call Stipend – UW proposed a $750 annual lump sum payment for Residents required by their programs to take home call (in some cases needing to report to worksites within 20 minutes), in order to help alleviate the cost of needing to live in centrally-located, high-cost areas of Seattle.
UWHA conveyed appreciation for UW’s home call stipend proposal, acknowledging that such a benefit is responsive to the union’s priorities.
Professional Development – UW proposed increases to its previous proposal of funding professional development for Residents, under a restructured model. UW would reimburse Residents for the cost of their State Medical/Dental license fees as required by their programs. In addition, $350 per year would be available to each Resident for expenses related to their professional development (for example, books and travel to present abstracts). UWHA reiterated its request that unspent professional development funds be eligible for a yearly roll-over.
Transportation and Travel Expenses – UW maintained its proposal for each Resident to receive a travel allowance of $750 per year, given their irregular hours and their need to frequently travel between UW’s numerous training sites. UW also maintained its proposal to allocate $50,000 per year toward a bike program.
Additionally, UW proposed revisions regarding on-call parking during nights and weekends, trying to more clearly reflect current practice.
Childcare – UW maintained its proposal to allocate $50,000 per year toward a childcare assistance fund. Clear eligibility criteria would be determined by UWHA, and per the union’s request, UW would administer the fund for those Residents who qualify.
Next Steps
The next UW-UWHA bargaining mediation session is scheduled for May 9.