SEIU 925 Libraries – UW Negotiations Recap for April 23, 2026
This recap details the seventeenth session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and SEIU 925 – Libraries. The parties were joined by a mediator from the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC). Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Union Counter Proposals
Article 15: Promotion and Transfer of Professional Libraries and Press Employees
In response to the Employer, the Union is reasserting their previous proposed language which would allow a PLE position to convert into a librarian position if requested by the employee. The Union also proposed new language which would provide employees with an in-grade salary adjustments at least proportionate to the increase of the salary range in cases where a classification’s salary range shifts due to the expansion of job duties.
Article 16: Classification
In response to the Employer, the Union accepted the language proposed by the employer in the employer’s March 25 proposal. Additionally, the Union is proposing new language that states an employee may be promoted to a higher grade within the Professional Librarian and Employee (PLE) class series via the position review process outlined in Section 16.8 when there is a higher grade in the series. If there is no higher grade for which the employee can be promoted into, the Union may request the creation of a new job classification using the process outlined in Section 16.5 If the classification is approved, the employee can request a reclassification to move into the newly created job profile.
Article 46: Layoff, Seniority, Rehire
In response to the employer, the Union accepted the University language related to voluntary temporary layoffs. The Union reasserted their previous language related to formal employment options and rehire list options for Professional Libraries and Press Employees, which allow for PLEs to be eligible for any funded vacant PLE position and for PLEs to have the option of being placed on the rehire lists for all PLE job profiles.
Article 48: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
In response to the Employer, the Union accepted the Employers proposal updating this article title to Inclusion and Belonging. The Union also introduced new language related to using gender inclusive language stating that, transgender, cisgender and nonbinary – all employees of all gender identity and expressions- have the right to be who they are and express their gender identity openly. The Union is no longer accepting the Employer’s language related to the inclusion of the University Editorial Guide.
Employer Counter Proposals
Article 46: Layoff, Seniority, Rehire
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed to include language stating that Professional Libraires and Press employees may be placed on a rehire list for a similar job profile after being laid off. Additionally, the Employer proposed to update language throughout the article from “current grade” to “current level” for consistency with the employer’s proposal in Article 21: Compensation, Wages, and Other Pay Provisions.
Article 48: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed to revert to current contract language and include “Diversity and equity” in multiple sections in the article.
The Employer presented a package proposal in which all provisions would need to be accepted in their entirety. Package highlights are outlined below.
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Article 24: Vacation Time Off
As part of this package proposal, the Union would agree to the Employer’s initial proposal as presented during the November 13 bargaining session.
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Article 25: Sick Time Off
As part of this package proposal, the Employer would agree to the Union’s counterproposal as presented during the February 17 bargaining session.
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Article 31: Civil/Jury Duty Time Off and Bereavement Time Off
As part of this package proposal, the Union would agree to the Employer’s initial proposal as presented during the November 13 bargaining session.
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Article 32: Leave Related to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
As part of this package proposal, the Union would agree to the Employer’s counterproposal as presented during the March 9 bargaining session.
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Article 36: Miscellaneous Leave
As part of this package proposal, the Union would agree to the Employer’s counterproposal as presented during the January 20 bargaining session.
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Article 38: Time Off Due to Family Care Emergencies
As part of this package proposal, the parties would agree to maintain current contract language in this Article.
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MOU: Discretionary Time Off
As part of this package proposal, the Employer proposed that Professional Libraries and Press employees would be eligible to receive Discretionary Time Off.
Next Steps
The next SEIU 925-Libraries and UW bargaining session is scheduled for Friday, May 8 and will be held virtually.