Labor Relations

Tentative Agreement Reached on 2017-2019 Contract (June 27)

This parties reached a comprehensive tentative agreement for the 2017-2019 contract during the 8th bargaining session, on June 27, 2017. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.

Highlights of the 2017-2019 Agreement

Across-the-board Increases: General wage increases as follows:

  • 2% raise effective July 1, 2017
  • 2% raise effective July 1, 2018
  • 2% raise effective January 1, 2019

Standby – The parties agreed to language stating that RNs placed on standby status will be compensated at the rate of $4.00 per hour for the first 49 hours, and $6.25 per hour for all mandatory standby hours of 50 or more per pay period.

The existing Memorandum of Understanding regarding Standby was modified to include language stating that the parties agree to negotiate over on-call/standby for additional departments if the employer demonstrates a need.  The employer would be required to provide sixty days’ notice to the union of its intent bargain, and would provide paid release time for four nurses to attend negotiations.

Peak Vacation Scheduling – The parties updated the schedule for peak period vacation requests so that all June 16-September 15 requests must be submitted in writing by February 1 and approved or denied in writing by February 28; and Thanksgiving through January 1 requests must be submitted in writing by July 1 and approved or denied in writing by July 31.

Union Rosters – The parties agreed to standardize Article 5.  On January 1, 2018 or six months after the “go-live” date for Workday, the union rosters language will be updated as indicated in the new Appendix V detailing the four reports that will be provided to each union every pay period, to include:

  • Total compensation and deductions
  • All appointment list
  • Change report
  • Vacancy report

Layoff Procedures – The parties agreed to updated language that better clarifies the current process, in the event of layoffs.  The parties worked together to modify Appendix III that includes clusters for layoff in order to assign new and existing units to more similarly situated clusters, and to correct naming conventions for departments and clinics.

Next Steps

The parties will now recommend this agreement to their constituents for approval and ratification on July 17.