Negotiations Recap for May 26, 2016
This recap summarizes the first session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and Teamsters.
Synopsis
The parties discussed general bargaining logistics, and UW noted improvements in the parties’ relationship since the last round of negotiations. Teamsters delivered numerous proposals on a range of topics, while reserving its main economic proposals for a future session.
Teamsters Proposals
Management Rights – Teamsters proposed limiting management’s ability to reassign work into the bargaining unit, or out of the bargaining unit and into the police management unit, to only cases of emergency.
JLM Committee Minutes – Teamsters proposed that the parties alternate responsibility for recording minutes during joint labor/management meetings, and that minutes be jointly approved before dissemination.
Union Business Activities Leave – Teamsters proposed to increase leave for shop stewards to participate in union training seminars from 32 to 40 hours. The union also proposed that time spent attending the union’s Shop Steward Seminar not count against this leave allotment.
When asked by UW, the union acknowledged that there has not yet been an issue with officers hitting the maximum allotment.
Sick Leave – Teamsters proposed memorializing the parties’ commitment to comply with State and Federal law with regard to officers using sick leave to care for loved ones.
Holidays – Teamsters proposed that employees receive holiday pay according to the length of their shift instead of the standard eight hours per holiday for full-time employees.
Uniforms and Equipment – Teamsters proposed that UWPD provide officers with load-bearing tactical vests, duty cell phones (for Residence Hall Officers), a “Level 3 Go Kit,” and tourniquets. The union also proposed that UWPD provide a $200 allowance for boots every 24 months.
Event Overtime – Teamsters proposed that overtime work during recharge events be paid at a double time rate, or higher if needed to match the rate of pay provided to outside officers contracted to work the same event.
Call Back – Teamsters proposed that travel time be paid for all instances of call back. When asked by UW, the union acknowledged that call back is not typical and has not been a significant issue.
Shift Selection – Teamsters proposed removing management’s ability to assign shifts for probationary officers, which is done to ensure that officers with varying experience levels are effectively distributed.
Trainees – Teamsters proposed defining “trainee” as an officer who has completed the Field Training Officer program and is cleared to work independently.
Comp. Time Accumulation – Teamsters proposed doubling the maximum amount of compensatory time officers can accumulate, from 240 to 480 hours.
Field Training Officer – Teamsters proposed that UWPD provide Field Training Officer pay to officers at all times, rather than only while performing FTO responsibilities.
Parking – Teamsters proposed that UWPD provide free parking for all officers.
Contracting Out – Teamsters proposed expanding the contract’s restrictions on UWPD’s ability to contract out work.
Peer Support Officer – Teamsters proposed that UWPD create a peer support officer position to help officers following a traumatic event.
Next Steps
The next UW-Teamsters bargaining session is scheduled for July 18.