SEIU 1199 – UWMC – Northwest Negotiations Recap for May 26
Background
This recap details the second virtual session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the UW Medical Center – Northwest (UWMC-NW) and Service Employees International (SEIU) 1199NW. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
SEIU 1199 Initial Proposals
Non-Discrimination – The Union proposed to add the language of the article on non-discrimination from the Harborview Medical Center/Airlift Northwest (HMC/ALNW) CBA to the UWMC-NW CBA. The article includes proposed protected bases from discrimination and what employees can do if they feel they have been the subject of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.
Apprentice Programs – The Union proposed that any apprenticeship program implemented by the Employer would be implemented through the Healthcare Apprenticeship Consortium administered by the SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multiemployer Training Fund. Under this proposal, the Employer would provide 60 days advanced notice to the Union to negotiate the terms of the apprenticeship.
Environmental Services (EVS) Technicians – The Union proposed that housekeeping job classifications be transitioned from being called “housekeeping” to being called “EVS Technician.” In addition, upon request from the Union, the parties would convene an EVS subcommittee of the labor management committee, made up of EVS staff, nursing staff members and other pertinent ancillary staff, and EVS management.
EVS Certification – The Union proposed that EVS management would implement a certification program in coordination with the SEIU 1199 Multi-Employer Training Fund, in which all UW Medical EVS staff would have the opportunity to participate. The Union also proposed that EVS staff would be eligible for a certification premium of one dollar per hour, which they could earn if they attain the certification referenced above. Under this proposal, all training and preparation time for trainers would be on paid time.
Next Steps
The next UWMC-NW and SEIU 1199NW bargaining session is scheduled for June 1 and will be held virtually.