Update on UAW Research Scientist ULP
On January 4, 2023, the United Auto Workers Local 4121 filed an unfair labor practice complaint on behalf of its Research Scientists and Engineers (RSE) bargaining unit against the University of Washington.
The alleged unfair labor practice charge by the union was “Did the employer refuse to bargain in violation of RCW 41.56.140(4) [and if so, derivative interference in violation of RCW 41.56.140(1)] by unilaterally changing the Research Scientist/Engineers’ pay structure, without providing the union an opportunity for bargaining?”
PERC (Public Employment Relations Commission) conducted a hearing over four days in December of 2023 and reviewed post-hearing briefs filed on March 8, 2024.
On June 6, 2024 PERC issued it’s decision. The decision states that “the employer did not refuse to bargain in violation of RCW 41.56.140(4) and derivatively RCW 41.56.140(1)”. The complaint charging unfair labor practices was dismissed.
The full decision can be found here.