Labor Relations

UW & UAW Postdocs Negotiations Recap for October 16, 2024

Background

This recap details the first 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

UAW and UW agreed to maintain current contract language on the following articles:

Preamble
Article 2 – Recognition
Article 3 – Management Rights and Responsibilities
Article 10 – Holidays
Article 18 – Personnel Files
Article 21 – Subcontracting
Article 22 – Subordination of Agreement and Savings Clause
Article 27 – Transportation
Article 31 – Voluntary Community Action Program (VCAP)

UAW Postdocs Initial Proposals

UAW Initial Bargaining Demands

UAW presented their initial bargaining demands which included the following:

  • Compensation and Benefits
    • Ensure postdoc compensation and benefits keep up with the rapidly rising cost of living in Seattle in order to recruit and retain a diverse workforce that keeps UW a top-tier institution.
    • Maintain a compensation framework that is compatible with postdoc job responsibilities and promotes academic productivity and career development.
    • Increase financial support for postdocs who are parents or caregivers.
  • Support for International Postdocs
    • Improve financial and administrative support and guidance for obtaining work visas and relocating to the US
    • Improve appointment security and better support groundbreaking research by extending contract durations to support longer visa statuses
  • Parity for all Postdoc Positions
    • Improve equity of access to health insurance, paid family leave, and other benefits among all postdoc positions, regardless of funding source, in order to incentivize postdocs to accept external funding opportunities and retain postdocs currently receiving external funding.
  • Equitable and Safe Work Environment
    • Improve protections for postdocs from harassment, discrimination, toxic behavior, and retaliation
    • Expand resources and access to disability accommodations
  • Career Development
    • Increase resources available for career development and mentorship.

Article 5- Childcare

The Union proposed to increase the University’s Postdoctoral Scholar childcare fund, that assists in childcare expenses, to $150,000 per year up from $75,000 per year. The Union proposed that the Employer will provide a 10% discount to all Postdoctoral Scholars for local area childcare facilities for full time daycare services. The Union proposed that the Employer shall provide 150 hours of care at a local childcare facility for the purpose of childcare emergencies, per year, for each Postdoctoral Scholar.

Article 7 – Grievance Procedure

The Union proposed to increase the timeline for filing a grievance from 21 calendar days from the occurrence of the events giving rise to the grievance to 30 calendar days.

New Article- Immigration Status and Visas

The Union proposed to move the MOU Immigration Status and Visas into an article. The Union proposed that the Employer would reimburse any costs related to visa processing including administrative fees, insurance expenses to maintain visa status, and travel expenses to attend visa and immigration proceedings, for themselves or their spouse or children up to $2,000 per request. The Union proposed that Postdoctoral Scholars be given additional paid time off in addition to the time off they already have in order to attend visa and immigration proceedings for themselves or their spouse or children. The Union proposed that if the Employer is not able to lawfully employ or continue to employ a Postdoctoral Scholar as a result of the Postdoctoral Scholar’s immigration status, the Employer shall hold the position open for 90 days in order for the employee to obtain work authorization or immigration status that permits them to work. The Union proposed that upon their request both parties would meet to discuss including but not limited to repeal of DACA, rescinding of TPS, travel bans, or any other change in immigration law or regulations.

Next Steps

The next UW & UAW Postdocs bargaining session is scheduled for October 30, 2024 and will be held virtually.