SEIU 925 Libraries – UW Negotiations Recap for January 6, 2026
This recap details the sixth virtual session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and SEIU 925 – Libraries.
Employer Initial Proposals
Article 14 – Appointments – In addition to other housekeeping edits, the Employer proposed to remove language around probationary periods for temporary or interim appointments to reflect current practice that temporary employees do not serve probationary periods.
Article 21 – Compensation, Wages, and Other Pay Provisions – The Employer presented its initial compensation proposal, which would increase salaries for all bargaining unit members by one percent (1%) effective February 1, 2026, if ratified on or before January 21, 2026, plus an additional one percent (1%) on February 1, 2027 and another one percent (1%) on February 1, 2028. The Employer also proposed new language that would require employees be paid at or above the range minimum for their respective job profiles. The Employer also proposed housekeeping edits elsewhere in this article.
Article 56 – Represented Limited Term Hourly Employees – The Employer proposed to change the title of this article to ‘Represented Temporary Hourly Employees’ to reflect current terminology around temporary employees. The Employer also proposed to update the appointment duration for temporary employees from six (6) to twelve (12) months to reflect current practice for temporary positions at the University. Lastly, the employer proposed to remove the language related to a probationary period for this group of hourly employees.
Appendix 1 – Libraries – Job Groups and Pay Ranges – The Employer proposed to update the title of this Appendix to ‘Job Profiles – Librarians.
Appendix 2 – Professional Libraries and Press – The Employer proposed to update the title of this Appendix to ‘Job Profiles – Professional Libraries and Press’ and also proposed updating various job profile names and grade numbers.
The Employer presented a package proposal in which all provisions would need to be accepted in their entirety. Package highlights are outlined below.
- Article 17 – Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions for Gallagher Law Librarians – The Employer proposed new language in this article that would change the appointment process for dual degree law librarians, resulting in them being appointed starting at the Assistant Librarian rank instead. The Employer also proposed new language that would more clearly define expectations for rank, such as demonstrating competence in assigned responsibilities, building a professional record, demonstrating a body of work evidencing foundational mastery of law librarianship, and a record of demonstrating professional impact, leadership, and engagement with the institution and profession. The Employer also proposed various language updates to clarify current practices around application submissions, letters of support, the review process, and letters of recommendation.
- New MOU – Gallagher Law Librarian Rank and Compensation Alignment – The Employer proposed to create a new MOU that would realign the rank of a dual-degreed Law Librarian with the new promotion process as proposed by the Employer in Article 17.
The Employer proposed housekeeping edits only on the following Articles:
- Article 1 – Preamble and Purpose
Employer Counter Proposals
Article 7 – Employee Facilities – In addition to proposing minor housekeeping edits, the Employer proposed language in response to the Union’s proposal to include language around lactation spaces.
Article 9 – Probation for Professional Libraries and Press Employees – In response to the Union’s proposal, the Employer proposed minor housekeeping edits.
Article 41 – Transportation, Travel, and Commute Reduction – In response to the Union’s proposal, the Employer proposed minor housekeeping edits.
Next Steps
The next SEIU 925-Libraries and UW bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and will be held virtually.