University of Washington Human Resources

SEIU 1199NW – UW Negotiations Recap for May 29, 2025

Background
This recap details the tenth session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and the Service Employees International Union 1199NW (SEIU 1199NW). Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.

SEIU 1199NW Initial Proposals

Article 7 – Hours of Work and Overtime
7.9 Weekends
The Union proposed that the unscheduled weekend would be defined as a shift that is in addition to the employees posted scheduled shifts after the schedule is posted. Additionally, the Union proposed that employees who agree to work unscheduled weekend shifts would be paid at double-time the regular rate of pay.

Article 9 – Other Compensation
9.3 Callback Pay
The Union proposed that the 3-hour callback minimum would apply to work in advance of a scheduled shift when the employee has been called back from standby. Additionally, the Union proposed that callback from standby, and the 3-hour minimum, would apply for all work taking place after the regularly scheduled shift end time.

New MOU – Break Relief
The Union proposed that the Hospital Staffing Committee would implement a break relief program for nursing assistants in each nursing unit. The Union proposed that the Hospital Staffing Committee would monitor and measure the impact of the break relief program and could adapt as needed.

SEIU 1199NW Counter Proposals

Article 7 – Hours of Work and Overtime
7.7 Meal/Rest Periods
In response to the Employer’s proposal, the Union rejected the inclusion of the health care workers applicable job list; the Union also rejected that the provisions of 7.7.D, Combining Rest and Meal Periods, would not apply to UW Medicine Primary Care employees.

7.10 Rest Between Shifts
In response to the Employer’s proposal, the Union rejected that this section would not apply to standby and callback assignments performed pursuant to Article 9. Instead, the Union proposed that employees who are called back to work, whether on standby or not, would qualify for rest between shift premium if the work performed from standby or call back resulted in the employee not receiving 11 hours unbroken rest before the start of the employee’s next regularly scheduled shift.

Article 20 – Committees
The Union proposed including the MOU – Hospital Staffing Committee into the body of the agreement with some modifications. The Union proposed including language regarding adequate staffing levels consistent with safe patient care. Additionally, the Union proposed language on how employees could bring staffing concerns to the committee or their supervisors via this committee as well as how the committee could direct managers or supervisors to convene department workgroups to address issues. Finally, the Union proposed to include 10 different units to participate in the Hospital Staffing Committee.

MOU – Pre-Scheduled Voluntary Double-Time Shift Incentive for Critical Staffing Needs
The Union proposed that discretion of the Employer would end when a department would be more than one below staffing plan in which case the Union proposed double time shifts would be offered.

Next Steps
The next SEIU 1199NW and UW bargaining session is scheduled for June 4, 2025, and will be held in person.