UW – UWHA Negotiations Recap for January 28, 2020
Background
This recap details the twenty-second session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UWHA. This was the third session to be facilitated by a State-appointed mediator. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Union Counter Proposals
General Wage Increases – The Union stated that they had considered supplemental data from other schools who had received increases since their initial proposal. Subsequently, UWHA increased their proposal from approximately 10% to 12%, retroactive to July 1, 2019. UWHA maintained its proposal for an increase of 4% on July 1 of each subsequent contract year (2020 and 2021).
Emergency/Safe Ride Home Program – The Union made no changes to its proposal for the Employer to create a fund of $10,000 per year for the Emergency/Safe Ride Home program. Residents would submit claims directly to UWHA, and the Union would determine eligibility.
Childcare Fund – The Union modified its proposal regarding an increase to the Childcare Fund from $506,160 to $496,160 per academic year. The current fund is $50,000 per year. UWHA made no changes to its proposal to create an emergency childcare fund of $50,371 per year.
Meals – The Union has maintained their meal reimbursement proposal from August 6 at the rate of $11 per meal for academic year 2020, to increase $0.50 per meal per year. The Union proposed new language regarding meals at the VA, given limited cafeteria hours. UWHA proposed that fresh meals would be available for residents staying in the hospital past 6pm, with additional fresh food being available 24/7 in a secure breakroom.
Other Fringe Benefits – The Union maintained the entirety of their proposals regarding a relocation stipend of up to $3,000 for moving expenses, a $600 yearly communication stipend, and access to fitness facilities at each institution and any other hospitals that residents are assigned.
Moonlighting – The parties retain a philosophical difference in the content and organization of this provision. The Union has proposed to reiterate aspects of the existing GME policy, with their own modifications, while the Employer has proposed to refer directly to the current policy as written.
Committee Memberships – The Union has modified its proposal for the GMEC and GMEC Policy Subcommittee to include one UWHA designee (same as Employer) and a minimum of three peer selected residents/fellows. The Employer’s last proposal included two peer selected residents/fellows. UWHA has maintained its proposal to allow for a board member to be able to substitute for the UWHA appointed representative should they be unable to attend a committee meeting, provided twenty four hours’ notice is given to the committee chairperson.
Next Steps
The next UW and UWHA bargaining session is scheduled for February 6.