UW & UAW Postdocs Negotiations Recap for December 9, 2024
Background
This recap details the sixth 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 32 – Compensation
The Employer proposed to include a table with the current Postdoctoral Scholar minimums. The minimum for Postdoctoral Scholar and Postdoctoral Scholar Fellow titles is $68,460 and the minimum for Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Directs (PDRs) is $56,484.
The Employer proposed that Postdoctoral Scholars and Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellows may receive a salary/stipend increase on the anniversary date of their appointment during each year of the CBA. The amount of the increase is at the discretion of the supervisor and is dependent upon available funding. An individual Postdoctoral Scholar who receives a retention increase is not automatically entitled to an additional salary/stipend increase for 12 months.
Article 23 – Time and Effort Commitment
The Employer proposed to add the language from MOU – Overtime into this article as it applies to overtime eligible Postdoctoral Scholars. The Employer also proposed to create a new section for Postdoctoral Scholar Fellows, so that Postdoctoral Scholar Fellows, Overtime Exempt Postdoctoral Scholars, and Overtime Eligible Postdoctoral Scholars each have a section regarding time and effort commitment.
Article 34 – Duration
The Employer proposed a three year contract; from February 1, 2025 through January 31, 2028.
MOU – Overtime
The Employer is proposing to strike this MOU and add the language into Article 23 – Time and Effort Commitment.
NEW MOU – EPIC Trainer
The Employer proposed a new MOU to align with the language added in the UAW ASE contract that allows for one 0.5 FTE ASE EPIC training position to be used to fill two of the four – 0.2 FTE RSE and/or Postdoc EPIC training positions when the RSE and/or Postdoc positions are unfilled.
UW Counter Proposals
Article 1 – Purpose and Intent
In response to the Union, the Employer removed some previously proposed language and reiterated the proposal that all requests for information regarding the bargaining unit by the Union would be submitted in writing to the Office of Labor Relations (laborrel@uw.edu). Requests would clearly identify what information is being sought and include the reason for the request. Requests would not normally extend more than twenty-four (24) months prior to the date of the request.
MOU – Empowering Prevention and Inclusive Communities (EPIC) Training
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed that the University and the Union would meet within 90 days of ratification to discuss the goals, including the training plan, of the EPIC program for the upcoming year.
MOU – Immigration Status and Visas
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed to add language that if the University is not able to continue to lawfully employ a Postdoctoral Scholar as a result of the Postdoctoral Scholar’s immigration status, if possible, the department would hold open the Postdoctoral Scholar position for up to 15 calendar days. The ability to hold open the Postdoctoral Scholar position and any determination of whether to re-employ a Postdoctoral Scholar is not subject to the grievance process.
MOU-Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Direct (PDR)
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed to raise the threshold from $65,508 to $68,460 for the amount PDRs receive directly from a non-University funding source in order to be eligible for the stipend that is intended to help defray the costs related to healthcare.
UAW Postdocs Counter Proposals
Article 4 – Appointments and Reappointments
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed to lower their proposal for the initial appointment duration for Postdoctoral Scholars from a proposal of two years minimum to a proposal of one year minimum. The Union proposed to maintain much of their previously proposed language.
MOU – Empowering Prevention and Inclusive Communities (EPIC) Training
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed to lower their proposed number of Postdoc employees hired to jointly administer the EPIC training with the University from either one 1.0 FTE or two .5 FTE to five 0.2 FTE Postdoctoral Scholar and RSE appointments/assignments trainers per calendar year. These slots would be filled by either Postdoctoral Scholars or RSEs and the trainers may train both Postdoctoral Scholars and RSEs.
NEW MOU – EPIC Trainer
The Union agreed to much of the Employer’s proposal except they propose five 0.2 FTE RSE and/or Postdoc EPIC training positions to algin with their proposal regarding EPIC training.
MOU – Immigration Status and Visas
In response to the Employer, the Union removed the section from their proposal 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. The Union proposed to maintain much of their previously proposed language.
MOU-Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Direct
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed that only Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Direct’s making less than the current the Postdoctoral Scholar minimum salary would be eligible for the stipend that is intended to help defray the costs related to healthcare. The Union is still proposing to raise the amount from $500 to $889.54 per month. The Union is now proposing that Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Direct’s receiving more than the current Postdoctoral Scholar minimum salary but less than the current Postdoctoral Scholar minimum salary plus the amount of this healthcare stipend would receive the difference between these amounts, distributed as their monthly healthcare stipend.
Tentative Agreements
Article 8 – Health and Safety
New language was added to align with the UAW RSE and UAW ASE contract as well as current practice with EH&S. New sections were added regarding ergonomic evaluations, medical tests, health examinations and surveillance/monitoring as may be required as a condition of employment and/or as a result of regulated hazards encountered after employment.
Article 16 – Non-discrimination and Harassment
New language was added that the Equity Survey that UAW and the University jointly administer, which focuses on Postdoc-specific concerns, would be subject to the University’s Policy on the Appropriate Collection and Use of Demographic Data for Job Applicants and University Personnel.
Article 25 – Titles and Classifications
The Postdoctoral Scholar-Paid Direct title was added to the list of titles defined in this article. The corresponding Non-Exempt job codes were also added to each title throughout the article.
UAW and UW agreed to maintain current contract language on the following articles:
Article 6 – Corrective Action and Dismissal
Article 15 – No Strikes, No Lockouts
Article 20 – Retirement Benefits
Next Steps
The next UW & UAW Postdocs bargaining session is scheduled for December 19, 2024 and will be held virtually.