UW & UAW ASE Negotiations Recap for March 26, 2024
Background
This recap details the seventh session for the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UAW ASEs. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
UW Counter Proposals
Article 4 – Appointment and Reappointment Notification and Job Description
In response to UAW, the Employer proposed language regarding the University of Washington Voluntary Investment Program (VIP) and information about reasonable accommodations be added to the section that details what is included in the ASE offer letter.
Article 21- Parking and Transit
The Employer proposed to remove the reference to individual commuter tickets as they are no longer offered by UW. In response to UAW, the Employer proposed language that UAW would have the option to bargain the impacts of certain changes to parking access policy that would affect bargaining unit employees.
Article 27- Travel
The Employer proposed to add language that the University would reimburse ASEs for travel and per diem expenses required for employment in accordance with the University of Washington Administrative Policy Statements, Section 70 and/or departmental policy. In response to UAW, the Employer proposed language that the University would make a good faith effort to process reimbursements within thirty (30) days of submission of all required reimbursement information, forms and receipts.
New Article- Reasonable Accommodations
In response to UAW, the Employer proposed language that the University would send an annual communication to all managers regarding their role in the accommodation process. In response to UAW, the Employer proposed language that accommodation implementation decisions would be communicated in writing to the ASE and their employing department. The Employer proposed language to highlight that the accommodation request process is interactive.
UAW ASE Counter Proposals
Article 4 – Appointment and Reappointment Notification and Job Description
In response to the Employer, UAW incorporated the Employer’s proposal to add language regarding the University of Washington Voluntary Investment Program (VIP) and information about reasonable accommodations to the section that details what is included in the ASE offer letter. UAW changed their proposal regarding appointment offer lengths and is now proposing non-open hire offers of 50% FTE appointment and reappointment would be year-long, including summer, or equivalent compensation. UAW removed their proposed language regarding appointment length guarantees for open hire positions.
Article 21- Parking and Transit
In response to the Employer, UAW incorporated language proposed by the Employer around removing reference to individual commuter tickets. In response to the Employer, UAW added language that non-registered ASEs would be provided a fully-subsidized Temp Pass during summer appointments.
Article 27- Travel
In response to the Employer, UAW proposed that the University would ensure that the purchasing of materials and services required by ASEs to carry out job-related activities would occur via University purchasing resources, including Central Travel Accounts, Pro-Cards, and Individual Travel Cards.
New Article- Reasonable Accommodations
In response to the Employer, UAW incorporated language proposed by the Employer around an annual communication to all managers regarding their role in the accommodation process. In response to the Employer, UAW incorporated language proposed by the Employer around highlighting that the accommodation request process is interactive.
Tentative Agreements
Article 9 – Health and Safety
This article details the efforts the University shall make to maintain safe working conditions for ASEs to carry out their duties. The language around reasonable accommodations of ASEs with a disability was removed from this article as both parties are now proposing a new reasonable accommodation article. A new section regarding ergonomics was added to this article. This new section details the process the ASEs should follow if they believe job procedures, or use of University-owned or operated workstations or equipment will cause or exacerbate musculoskeletal injury or discomfort.
Article 36- Workspace and Materials
This article maintained current contract language with a small clarifier added that ASEs can request job related materials from their department.
Next Steps
The next UW & UAW ASE bargaining session is scheduled for April 5, 2024.