AFT Negotiations Recap for March 19, 2026
Background
This recap details the sixth in person bargaining session for the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between AFT and UW. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Union Initial Proposals
Article 19: Performance Appraisal
The Union agreed to most of the Employer proposed language including changing the FTE requirement for performance appraisal reporting from sixty-seven percent (67) to fifty percent (50%). Additionally, the Union accepted Employer proposed appraisal timelines and reasserted its proposed language to include ‘Professional Development’ within the ‘Performance Outcome’ section, whenever such opportunities are provided. Lastly, the Union maintained its strike‑through of in‑service requirements as an expectation for department contributions.
Employer Counter Proposals
Article 16: Job Descriptions-Workload
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed including AEP in IELP class size determinations and adding a new section to cap IELP non‑AEP class size at twenty (20) students.
Article 19: Performance Appraisal
In response to the Union, the Employer accepted the Union’s proposed language in the ‘Professional Development’ section. Additionally, the Employer also accepted the Union’s proposed removal of in‑service requirements, agreeing instead to include peer observations.
Tentative Agreements
Article 6: Probationary Period
The parties agreed to update the article to specify that Extension Lecturers will remain in Probationary Period until they have taught three (3) IELP courses. The parties also agreed to revised language that the Supervising Director would review evaluation reports, observation reports and written peer support to determine the completion of the Extension Lecturer’s probationary period. Lastly, the parties agreed that the extension of an Extension Lecturer’s probationary period would be from one (1) to two (2) additional courses taught.
Article 7: Grievance & Arbitration
The parties agreed to update the article to specify that if a grievance is not resolved within fifteen (15) days following the conclusion of a step, a request for mediation may be made as provided in this article. The parties also agreed to a thirty (30) day limitation period for filing a grievance, unless an extension is mutually agreed upon in writing, and if a verbal agreement is made, it must be followed up by email within three (3) business days.
The parties further agreed to fifteen (15) day response timelines at each step of the grievance process, starting from the date of the meeting.
Next Steps
The next UW & AFT bargaining session is scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026, and will be held in person.