University of Washington Human Resources

UW & SEIU 925 Continuum College Negotiations Recap for March 5th 2025

Background

This recap details the second session for the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between SEIU 925-Continuum College and UW. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.

SEIU 925- Continuum College Initial Proposals

Article – Employee Facilities

This article matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. In addition to that language, the Union proposed to add that all facilities have more gender segregated or neutral bathrooms and they should be situated in locations convenient to the employee and where seeking them out for use is not disruptive. The Union also proposed that an adequate number of enclosed temporary work spaces (such as “phone booths”) intended for virtual meetings and phone calls will be provided.

Article – Employee Rights

The union proposed an article that is identical to the same titled article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract with placeholders for references to other articles.

Article – Grievance Procedures

The union proposed an article that is identical to the same titled article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract.

Article – New Employees

The union proposed an article that is identical to the same titled article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract.

Article – Non-Discrimination

This article matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. In addition to that language, the Union proposed to add those with neurodivergent and mental health conditions to the list of protected classes that cannot be discriminated against.

Article – Preamble and Purpose
This article matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract with the exception that we update the IHME bargaining unit description to the Continuum  College certified description “All full-time and regular part-time Professional Staff employees of the University of Washington within the Continuum College, excluding confidential employees, employees covered by Chapter 41.76 RCW,
employees covered by Chapter 41.80 RCW, supervisors and employees included in any other bargaining unit.”

Article – Corrective Action
This article matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. The Union proposed to remove the section on demotion related to corrective action. The Union proposes employees shall be notified in writing that upon request, they shall be entitled to have a union representative present when formal counseling, final counseling or dismissal is occurring. The Union proposes to add language that clarifies that coaching or an informal discussion is not a part of the disciplinary process.

Article – Affirmative Action

This article matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. In addition to that language, the Union proposed adding in language regarding women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and individuals identifying as LGBTQ+.

Next Steps
The next UW & SEIU Continuum College bargaining session is scheduled for March 12th, 2025 and will be held virtually.