UW – SAG-AFTRA Negotiations Recap for November 4, 2025
Background
This recap details the second sessions for the negotiation of the second collective bargaining agreement between the University of Washington (UW) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) for KUOW. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Tentative Agreements
The parties tentatively agreed to the following:
Article 43 – Salary Overpayment Recovery
The parties agreed to housekeeping updates as well as clarifying language to accurately reflect current practice.
SAG-AFTRA Initial Proposals
Article 18 – Safety and Health
The Union proposed that the Employer would provide at least one fleet vehicle for travel and work assignments to bargaining unit employees.
New Side Letter – Artificial Intelligence
The Union proposed a new Side Letter where if the contents of RCW 41.56.401 were to change, the parties would meet and negotiate over technology, including artificial intelligence.
SAG-AFTRA Counter Proposals
Article 35 – Union Representatives and Stewards
In response to the Employer’s proposal, the Union agreed to the Employer’s housekeeping edits but restated its proposal on paid release time for three bargaining unit members in future negotiation sessions
UW Initial Proposals
Article 3 – Non-discrimination and Diversity
The Employer proposed housekeeping updates as well as striking language regarding a committee that is not meeting currently.
Article 6 – Grievance and Arbitration Procedure
Filing and Processing
The Employer proposed removing language regarding meeting in person so that that both parties could determine together whether virtual or in person was more appropriate.
Step One Grievance Procedure
The Employer proposed to increase the number of days the Employer has to respond in writing following a Step One grievance meeting from 15 days to 30 days.
Article 7 – Union Security
The Employer proposed including language that would reflect the contents of reports the Union already receives from the Employer every pay period.
Article 9 – Overtime
Overtime for Non-Exempt Employees
The Employer proposed adding language that would clarify current practice regarding overtime for non-exempt employees.
Temporary Modified Weekly Schedule
The Employer proposed including language allowing the employee and their supervisor to mutually agree on allowing the employee to flex their work schedule within their regular work week.
Article 18 – Safety and Health
The Employer proposed housekeeping edits as well as bringing Side Letter A – U-PASS into the body of the contract as a new subsection in Article 18.
Article 21 – Holidays
The Employer proposed housekeeping edits as well as clarifying that holiday credit must be used before other paid time off.
Article 31 – Rehire Rights
The Employer proposed housekeeping edits.
Article 41 – Sick Time Off
The Employer proposed housekeeping edits as well as including language related to HB 5101.
Side Letter A – U-PASS
The Employer proposed memorializing the U-PASS into Article 18 and, if agreed to, it proposed eliminating this Side Letter.
The Employer proposed striking these already implemented MOUs:
- MOU – Seattle Locality Premium
- MOU – Lump Sum Payment
Next Steps
The next UW and SAG-AFTRA bargaining session is scheduled for November 19, 2025, and will be held in person.