RFPU-CIR: UW Negotiations Recap for March 25, 2025
Background
This recap details the third virtual session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and the Resident and Fellow Physician Union-Committee of Interns and Residents/SEIU (RFPU-CIR). Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
RFPU-CIR Initial Proposals – March 11, 2025
Article 21: Professional Development and Licensing
During the March 11 bargaining session, the Union proposed the following changes to Article 21. The Union proposed that programs would reimburse residents for the full costs incurred to obtain licensure in the state(s) where the program is located, whereas current contract language states that programs “may choose” to provide the cost of a full license.
The Union also proposed that in addition to full reimbursement for required licenses, licensing exams, board maintenance fees, and any conference travel, programs would offer professional development funds. The Union is proposing to increase the professional development reimbursement from $400/academic year to $2000/academic year and the allowance from $400/academic year to $2000/academic year. Additionally, the Union added language which states that conference travel will be paid in advance by the Employer and all reimbursements will be made within 14 days. The proposal also included an increase in the amount of professional development funds that may be rolled over year to year from $1500 to $2500.
The Union’s proposal adds the TACLS to the list of required certifications that would be completely reimbursed. Additionally, the Union proposed that required certifications and exams would be reimbursed with proof of registration, regardless of exam score. The Union’s proposal would require the Employer to reimburse residents for any exams or certifications that must be retaken. Furthermore, the Union proposed to remove the restriction that excluded residents from reimbursement of Step III expenses if the resident joins a UWSOM clinical training program as an R1 and took the USMLE/COMLEX Step III before their appointment start date due to visa requirement.
Lastly, the Union proposed that bargaining unit members will be reimbursed for board maintenance fees.
Financial Presentation – March 26, 2025
During the bargaining session on March 26, 2025, the Employer invited the CFO of UW Medicine and the Senior Director of External Affairs to present on the current financial climate within UW Medicine. The RFPU-CIR bargaining team was given time to ask questions after the presentation.
Next Steps
The next RFPU-CIR and UW bargaining session will be April 3, 2025. The parties agreed the next session will be held virtually.