UW & UAW Postdocs Negotiations Recap for November 20, 2024
Background
This recap details the fourth session of the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UAW Postdocs. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
UW Initial Proposals
Article 6 – Corrective Action and Dismissal
The Employer proposed to change the timeline of notice from 30 days prior to the proposed termination to 15 days prior to the proposed termination.
Article 7 – Grievance Procedure
The Employer proposed to add that when scheduling a step one or step two grievance meeting, the date of the meeting would be mutually agreed upon within 14 calendar days of receiving the grievance and when possible, the meeting would be within 14 days. The Employer proposed to extend the timeline for a written step two response from seven calendar days to 14 calendar days. The Employer proposed to add language around the mediation process.
Article 14 – Layoff
The Employer proposed to change the timeline for the written notification to the Postdoctoral Scholar in the event of layoff from 60 days to 45 days.
Article 25 – Titles and Classifications
The Employer proposed to add the Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct title to the list of titles defined in this article. The Employer also proposed to add the corresponding Non-Exempt job codes of each title to the article.
UW proposed to keep the following articles current contract language:
Article 20 – Retirement Benefits
UAW Postdocs Counter Proposals
Article 7 – Grievance Procedure
The Union agreed to all of the University’s language with the addition of the proposal 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. The Union also proposed to include language regarding using FMCS as well a PERC for the step three of the grievance process.
UAW proposed to keep the following articles current contract language:
Article 6 – Corrective Action and Dismissal
Article 14 – Layoff
Tentative Agreements
Article 33 – Workspace and Materials
This article details the materials and reimbursement for required facilities, equipment, software, services and materials. Language was added from the UAW RSE and UAW ASE contracts regarding access and reimbursements for required facilities, equipment, software, services and materials.
Article 36 – Reasonable Accommodations
This article details the accommodation procedure for employees with disabilities and pregnant employees. Language was added to align the contract language with the UAW ASE contract and to memorialize the current process. An annual communication will be sent to managers regarding their role in the accommodation process.
Next Steps
The next UW & UAW Postdocs bargaining session is scheduled for December 3, 2024 and will be held virtually.