UW Libraries & SEIU 925 Negotiations Recap for February 2, 2022
Background
This recap details the ninth virtual session for the initial collective bargaining agreement between the UW Libraries and SEIU 925. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Union Initial Proposals
Inclement Weather Suspended Operations and Building Closures – The Union’s initial proposal is based off the main SEIU 925 CBA, with some updates. The proposal included language surrounding operations when there are unanticipated conditions in the environment and those unable to telework would be able to utilize compensatory time, holiday credit, personal holiday, vacation time off, and unpaid time off. The Union proposed the University to determine when to suspend operations for the safety and well-being of the employees and students. The Union proposed that any building closures would result in the employee’s home being the designated work location, and travel between primary work location and campus will be compensated if on-site work is required.
Telework – The Union’s initial proposal includes telework described as working from another non-University location for a portion or all of an employee’s work schedule. Telework requests will be approved by the Employer, unless there is an operational need for the Employee to perform their duties on-site . The Union proposed the benefits to telework as positive work/life balance, reduction of impacts on the environment, continuity of operations for any onsite work disruptions, accommodation of employees with disabilities and retention and attracting of talent. The Union proposed that the Employer would provide standard equipment to employees teleworking. The Union proposed that the Employer may require employees to attend in-person meetings, but would otherwise make meetings technologically accessible for those teleworking if in-person attendance is not required.
Transportation Travel and Commute Reduction – The Union’s initial proposal is based off the main SEIU 925 CBA to include a fully-subsidized U-PASS, reimbursement for travel costs in accordance with existing University policy, a bargaining waiver related to changes in transportation in policy (e.g. parking rates). The Union proposed that the Employer will approve employee requests for flexible schedules for commute trip reduction purposes, provided that such scheduling does not interfere with the effective operation of the team and shall be dependent upon operating, business, and customer needs.
Onsite Work Differential – The Union’s initial proposal is for all represented positions with on-site job requirements to receive a five percent (5%) Temporary Pay Increase (TPI) for all required hours on-site, retroactive to December 13, 2021. The Union proposed that this TPI would continue until there is a seven-day COVID-19 case count average below 300 in King County and would resume if the average rises above this number again.
Union Counter Proposal
Grievance Procedure – In response to the Employer’s proposal, the Union proposed that meetings at all steps of the grievance process may occur in-person or remote, stating that meetings run most effectively when all participants utilize the same modality. The Union proposed to re-integrate language from other CBAs stating that if any grievance it directed to an individual’s immediate superior that it would be moved to the next higher level of supervision.
Next Steps
The next UW Libraries and SEIU 925 bargaining session is scheduled for February 16 and will be held virtually.