SEIU 925 Libraries – UW Negotiations Recap for November 4, 2025
This recap details the second session for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and SEIU 925 – Libraries.
Union Initial Proposals
Article 4 – Affirmative Action: The Union proposed to expand the definition of marginalized groups that are protected under Affirmation Action program. Additionally, the Union proposed that the Employer would designate a staff member to be accountable for the implementation of affirmative action efforts and meet with the union on an annual basis to report progress.
Article 9 – Probation for Professional Libraries and Press Employees: The Union proposed to decrease the probationary period from six (6) to three (3) consecutive months with a required meeting for the supervisor and employee half way through the proposed three (3) month probationary period. The Union also proposed to decrease the amount of time an Employer would be able to extend the probationary period, from twelve (12) to six (6) months. Additionally, the Union proposed that by mutual agreement, the probationary period for additional selected classifications may be established for a period more than three (3) months but not extending six (6) months.
Article 38 – Time off due to Personal Emergencies: The Union proposed to rename this Article from “Personal Family Care Emergencies” to “Personal Emergencies”. The Union proposed new language to include miscellaneous emergencies, defined as a situation causing an employee’s inability to report to work, for reasons such as travel constraints, personal injuries, and/or immigration-related processes. With respect to immigration-related proceedings, the Union also proposed new language that would allow employees to use sick time off to prepare for or participate in immigration proceedings involving themselves or a family member.
Article 47 – Presumption of Resignation/Abandonment : The Union proposed to rename the article from “Presumption of Resignation/Abandonment” to “Absent without Authorization”. The Union proposed to increase the number of calendar days an employee is deemed to have resigned from their position from three (3) consecutive workday absences to after thirty (30) consecutive calendar days.
The Union proposed new language detailing the ways in which the employer would attempt to contact the employee. The Union also proposed increasing the number of days in which the Employer would mail a notice of separation letter, from the third (3) consecutive calendar days of absence to thirty (30) calendar days. Additionally, the Union proposed new language that would require the Employer to respond to an employee’s petition for reinstatement within fourteen (14) calendar days.
NEW Article – Immigration Support Leave Bank: The Union proposed a new program that would allow for eligible UW employees to donate a portion of their paid time off to financially aid other UW employees in need of leave of absence due to immigration proceedings.
Next Steps
The next SEIU 925-Libraries and UW bargaining session is scheduled for November 13, 2025, and will be held virtually.