Negotiations Recap for September 6, 2016
This recap summarizes the eighth session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and Teamsters.
UW Package Proposal
UW delivered a package proposal, in which all elements would need to be accepted in their entirety.
Wage Increases – UW proposed 14 percent wage increases during the contract to address recruitment and retention concerns, as follows:
- Year 1: 7 percent wage increase.
- Year 2: 7 percent wage increase.
These increases would be applied to the base wage rates prior to the temporary increases that became effective on July 1, 2015, and July 1, 2016. UW made clear that these increases would be contingent upon approval from the Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) in accordance with state bargaining law (RCW 41.80).
Compensatory Time Off – UW proposed that the parties maintain existing language and practices.
Vacation – UW proposed a “me too” agreement with the SEIU 925-WFSE coalition table pertaining to vacation accrual rates, to secure any improvements negotiated by the coalition.
Holidays – UW proposed that the parties maintain existing language and practices.
Uniforms – UW proposed expanding the scope of the uniform committee to include safety equipment.
Overtime – UW proposed language that would make a good faith effort to mandate re-charge overtime assignments as infrequently as possible.
K-9 Premium – UW proposed establishing the 7.5 percent K-9 Officer premium as an ongoing contract benefit, rather than expiring with the end of the contract term.
Negotiations Deadline
UW reminded Teamsters that by law, in order for the parties’ contract and any wage increases to be funded, the final agreement must be submitted to the Washington State OFM by October 1.
Union Proposals
Wage Increases – Teamsters proposed 30 percent increases to base wages over the life of the contract:
- Effective July 1, 2017: 15 percent.
- Effective July 1, 2018: 15 percent.
Longevity – Teamsters proposed expanding the existing longevity increases for UWPD years of service, as follows:
| Year | Current Premium | Teamsters Proposal |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1% increase | 2% increase |
| 5 | 2% increase | 5% increase |
| 10 | 3% increase | 7% increase |
| 15 | 4% increase | 9% increase |
| 20+ | 5% increase | 11% increase |
Premium Pays – Teamsters proposed introducing two new pay premiums:
- Detective: 5 percent premium.
- Dorm Officer: 5 percent premium.
Educational Pay – Teamsters proposed increases to officers’ base wages based on the degree they hold, as follows:
- Associate’s Degree: 2 percent increase.
- Bachelor’s Degree: 4 percent increase.
- Master’s Degree: 6 percent increase.
Shift Differential – Teamsters proposed a 5 percent shift differential for all hours worked between 6 PM and 6 AM.
Interest Arbitration – Teamsters proposed introducing interest arbitration, a process in which the issues not resolved in bargaining are presented to an arbitrator for final resolution. UW noted that the parties’ collective bargaining law does not permit interest arbitration.
Next Steps
The next UW-Teamsters bargaining session is scheduled for September 9.