UW & SEIU 925 Continuum College Negotiations Recap for April 23rd 2025
Background
This recap details the seventh 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 – Civil/Jury Duty Time Off and Bereavement Time Off
The Union proposed an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. The Union proposed to increase the number of days granted for bereavement time off from three days to five days.
Article – Miscellaneous Leave/Time Off
The Union proposed an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. The Union proposed to add additional reasons for the ability to use unpaid time off to now include personal well being and absence due to personal emergencies. The Union proposed that leave without pay would be approved or denied by the Employer in writing within 5 – 10 calendar days of the request when practicable and if denied will include the reason for denial.
Article – Absence Due to Personal Emergencies
The Union proposed an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 contract. The Union proposed to expand this article from family/child care emergencies to personal emergencies. The Union proposed to add a third definition of a personal emergency that states a miscellaneous emergency is defined as a situation causing an employee’s inability to report for or continue scheduled work due to constraints outside of the employee’s control. This may include but not limited to constraints during travel, personal injuries, the demands of immigration-related processes or the actions of immigration and law enforcement officials. The Union also proposed that employees may use accrued sick time off to prepare for or participate in immigration or citizenship-related proceedings involving themselves or a family member.
Article – Federal Family Medical Leave Act and Parental Leave
The Union proposed an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. The Union also incorporated sections from the SEIU 925 contract regarding parental leave and use of leave while on PFML and FMLA.
UW – Counter Proposals
Article- Hiring, Promotions, and Transfers
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed language that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the UAW RSE contract.. The Employer is proposing that employees who promote, transfer, or voluntarily demote into positions covered by this agreement, would serve a four month Trial Service Period. The Employer proposed that all employees would be provided notice when applications are being accepted for a vacant bargaining unit position.
Article- Inclement Weather and Suspended Operations
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed edits to align with the current UW policy. The Employer proposed language to clarify the different practices for overtime eligible employees and overtime-exempt employees.
Article- Telework
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed an article that aligns with the current UW and Continuum College policy.
Article – Military Duty Leave
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed small housekeeping edits including changing the article title from military leave to military duty leave.
SEIU 925- Continuum College Counter Proposals
Article – Vacation Time Off
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed that requests for five or more consecutive days should be made at least two months in advance. When possible, the supervisor would respond to the request within five business days, and no later than ten business days.
Tentative Agreements
Article- Washington Family Medical Leave Program
The parties agreed to an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. The sentence regarding Employer provided healthcare benefits during a PFML leave was struck.
Article- Unpaid Holidays for a Reason of Faith or Conscience
The parties agreed to an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. Small housekeeping edits were made adding time off to references to holiday credit.
Article – Employee Facilities
The parties agreed to an article that matches much of the same language from the similar article in the SEIU 925 – IHME contract. New language was added that a reasonable amount of travel time be included in the section regarding use of gender-neutral individual facilities or gender-segregated group facilities.
Next Steps
The next UW & SEIU Continuum College bargaining session is scheduled for May 1, 2025 and will be held in person.