Labor Relations

UW & UAW Postdocs Negotiations Recap for January 26, 2023

Background

This recap details the sixteenth session for the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UAW Postdocs. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.

Tentative Agreements

MOU – Immigration Status and Visas

  • This article provides additional information for international Postdocs, including some Visa information. New language was added stating an H-1B may be an appropriate Visa classification option for full-time Postdoctoral Scholars. New language was also added stating the University will strongly encourage units to request the Premium Processing Fee option for new Postdoctoral H-1B work authorization applications. Finally, new language was added stating the University shall pay the following Visa Processing Fees and Expenses for the Postdoctoral Scholars it sponsors: the University Visa request fees and amendment fees for their J-1 Visa and reimbursement to the Postdoctoral Scholar for the J-1 SEVIS I-901 fee and the OPT I-765 filing fee.

UW Counter Proposals

New Article – Reasonable Accommodations

In response to the Union, the Employer made small language edits to the proposed new language regarding reasonable accommodations.

UAW Counter Proposals

Article 32- Wages

In response to the Employer, the Union proposed that all Postdoctoral Scholars shall receive a salary/stipend increase of no less than two percent every year on the anniversary date of their appointment. Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellows and Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Directs with new appointments, reappointments, or anniversary dates (whichever comes first) after January 1, 2023, would have their total stipend increased to $65,508 on March 1, 2023 or upon appointment, reappointment, or anniversary date. The Union reasserted their previously proposed minimums of $65,508 for January 1, 2023 and $72,000 for January 1, 2024.

New Article – Reasonable Accommodations

In response to the Employer, the Union made edits to the proposed new language regarding reasonable accommodations.

Next Steps

The next UW & UAW Postdocs bargaining session is scheduled for January 30, 2023 and will be held virtually.