University of Washington Human Resources

Teamsters 117 PPC contract

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Teamsters Local Union No. 117 Print Plant Craft Employees (Effective July 20, 2023 – June 30, 2025)

Article 1 – Preamble

This Agreement is between the University of Washington Board of Regents (hereinafter called the University) and Teamsters Local Union No. 117, affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (hereinafter called the Union).

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Article 2 – Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action

Section 1. The University and the Union agree that neither will discriminate against any employee by reason of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification), citizenship, immigration status, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, national or ethnic origin, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, genetic information, membership in a Union, disabled or Vietnam era veteran, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disabilities unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the University.

Processing of alleged violations of this Article through the applicable regulatory agency or through the grievance procedure shall be the option of the employee. A decision by the employee to proceed with the grievance procedure shall constitute a waiver of any rights to pursue another remedy.

Section 2. Affirmative Action. The Union and the University agree to abide by and support the applicable statutory and administrative laws pertaining to equal opportunity and elimination of employment inequities.

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Article 3 – Jurisdiction

All employees including assistant supervisors performing any work in the Bindery, Pre-Press including the separate job categories of Electronic Pre-Press I and II, Press and Shipping Departments described in the Appendices of this Agreement shall, without limitation, be covered by the terms of this contract. No employee shall be laid off as a result of a supervisor performing bargaining unit work.

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Article 4 – Recognition

The University recognizes Teamsters Local Union No. 117 as the exclusive representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with respect to wages, hours and conditions of employment for all full-time and regular part-time printing craft employees in the Printing Department; excluding all printing non-craft employees, office clerical employees, guards, and supervisors.

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Article 5 – Management Rights

Except as expressly modified or restricted by a specific provision of this Agreement, all statutory and inherent management rights, prerogatives, and functions are retained and vested exclusively in the University. The Employer, through its designated management personnel, has the right and responsibility to control, change, and supervise all operations, and to direct and assign or reassign all employees work appropriate for their classification. Such right and responsibility shall include, by way of illustration but not limited to, the selection and hiring of employees, discipline, discharge for justifiable cause, classification, reclassification, layoff, promotion, demotion, and training of employees, establishment of work schedules, allocation of all financial and other resources, and control and regulation of the use of all equipment and other property of the University. The Employer shall determine the method, technological means, number and kind, and qualifications of personnel by and for which operations are to be carried out. The Employer shall take action as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities in any emergency situation.

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Article 6 – Payroll Deductions, Union Membership And Dues

Section 1. Upon authorization by an individual employee to the Union, the Employer shall provide for the semi-monthly payroll deductions of union dues which are uniformly applied to all members in those bargaining units in which the Union is the exclusive bargaining agent.

The Union shall transmit to the Employer via a web based electronic reporting system, by the cut-off date for each payroll period, the name and Employee ID number of employees who have, since the previous payroll cut-off date, provided authorization for deduction of dues, DRIVE, or have changed their authorization for deduction. The Employer will provide instructions and templates for the web based electronic reporting system and provide a calendar of required payroll cut-off dates.

Section 2. The employee’s authorization shall remain in effect until revoked in accordance with the terms of the Union’s authorization form.

Section 3. To revoke authorization for deductions, an employee must request such revocation in writing to the Union in accordance with the terms and conditions of the authorization form.

Section 4. After the University has received confirmation from the Union that an employee has revoked their authorization for deductions, the University shall cease deductions no later than the second payroll period following receipt of confirmation.  The University shall rely upon information provided by the Union regarding the authorization and revocation of deductions.

Section 5. The Union shall indemnify and hold the University harmless against any and all claims, demands, suits or other forms of liability that shall arise out of or by reason of the action taken by the University in reliance upon signed authorization cards furnished to the University by the Union or for the purpose of complying with any of the provisions of this Article.

Section 6. Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education (DRIVE). The University agrees to deduct from the paycheck of all employees covered by this Agreement voluntary contributions to DRIVE.  DRIVE shall notify the University of the amounts designated by each contributing employee that are to be deducted from their paycheck on a semi-monthly basis.  The University shall transmit to DRIVE National Headquarters on a monthly basis, in one (1) check the total amount deducted along with the name of each employee on whose behalf a deduction is made, the employee’s social security number and the amount deducted from the employee’s paycheck.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters shall reimburse the University annually for the University’s actual cost for the expenses incurred in administering the weekly payroll deduction plan.

Section 7. New Hire Orientation: The Union through a Shop Steward or Union Representative shall have thirty (30) minutes during the Employer’s new hire orientation program to meet with the employee(s) for the purposes of filling out Union paperwork and orienting the employee to Union membership.

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Article 7 – Overtime

Section 1. Whenever overtime work is required, supervision shall determine the employees needed to work such overtime on the basis of their qualifications and availability.  For Saturday or Sunday overtime only, the Employer will offer opportunities by seniority for qualified and available employees.

Section 2.  All employees in the bargaining unit shall receive time and one-half (1 ½) for the first two (2) hours worked in excess of a regularly scheduled full-time weekday or Saturday shift and double time thereafter. All overtime worked on Sunday shall be paid at double time.

Section 3. When an employee has left the premises of the Print Plant after completion of the regular shift and is recalled for work, the employee shall not be paid for less than three and a half (3 ½) hours of the shifts in excess of the regular work week.

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Article 8 – Shifts

Section 1. Work Week. The work week is comprised of five (5) consecutive day, evening, or night shifts, Monday through Friday.

Section 2. All shifts are eight (8) hours in length except for Press, Bindery and Lithography, where the shifts are seven (7) hours in length.

Section 3. The Employer will determine start and quit times. Employees whose shifts begin after 12:45pm will receive a shift differential of one dollar and twenty-five cents ($1.25) above their hourly rate listed in Appendix A. Shift differential will be included in base overtime rate.

Section 4. All time worked before or after a regularly scheduled shift shall be considered overtime except when the schedule has been requested by the employee.

Section 5. A rest period of at least nine (9) hours must be given between shifts.

Section 6. An employee reporting for a shift shall receive not less than the employee’s pay except in the event of interruption of production because of an emergency beyond control of the University or where the employee voluntarily does not work in which case, they shall be paid only for hours worked.

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Article 9 – Fringe Benefit Eligibility

Employees hired to work 0.5 FTE or greater with the expectation of six (6) months and one (1) day or more continued employment in the Print Plant shall participate in the Employer’s fringe benefit programs.

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Article 10 – Retirement

The University is a participant in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System and makes payment on behalf of each eligible employee to the Retirement System in the maximum amount allowed by State law.

Eligible employees shall participate in the Washington State Public Employees’ Retirement System (currently PERS 1, PERS 2 and PERS 3) subject to the provisions of the Public Employees’ Retirement Act – Chapter 41.40 RCW.

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Article 11 – Insurance

The University shall provide the State’s basic benefits package to each eligible employee. This provision shall continue as long as the University at large participates in the State’s insurance programs on behalf of other University classified staff employees. The programs currently contain a basic medical, dental, long-term disability, and basic life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan. The benefit levels and premium costs of the programs shall be as determined by the appropriate state agency or board or through state-wide collective bargaining, as appropriate, with the Employer paying premiums equal to those paid by the University for all represented classified employees working at the University. Should benefit levels or premium costs of the programs differ among University classified staff employees during the life of this contract, either party may request that the contract be re-opened to discuss the future distribution of the costs of those programs.

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Article 12 – Joint Union Management Committee

A Joint Union Management Committee will be established consisting of two (2) persons from each party. The Committee will be advisory in nature and will not include any collective bargaining authority. The Committee will generally meet quarterly but may schedule additional meetings as needed. The Committee may deal with matters of general union/employer concern including discussions over training needs/opportunities and contracting out. The Committee may make recommendations to the Director of Publications Services. The Director, at their discretion, may implement any or all of the recommendations and, upon request of Committee members, will discuss their decisions with the Committee. If the Director chooses to implement any or all of the Committee’s recommendations, the Committee may monitor the progress of such implementation. The Committee may suggest modifications to its recommendations at any time.

The Committee will not discuss issues raised under Article 20, Grievance Procedure.

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Article 13 – Training

The Employer will pay for all costs associated with the training of bargaining unit members (seminar and registration fees, travel and lodging expenses in accordance with University policy) when such training is specifically assigned by the Employer. The Employer will provide training to bargaining unit members who will be assigned to work with new equipment, including software, when such equipment or software is to be used to perform work normally performed by bargaining unit members. Such training will be provided within ninety (90) days of the implementation of the new equipment, including software. Employees may submit a written request for supplemental training on any equipment and/or software used to perform their job duties, and the Employer will review and respond to all requests in writing within thirty (30) days. If the request for supplemental training is denied, the Employer will set forth the basis for the denial in its written response. The Employer’s denial of a request for supplemental training is not grievable.

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Article 14 – Hiring

Section 1. The University agrees to notify the Union when in need of employees. The Union will use every means within its power to provide a sufficient number of employees within the jurisdiction of the Union. Selection of applicants for referral to jobs shall be on a nondiscriminatory basis. The union will attempt to only refer qualified individuals.

Section 2. The University retains the right to reject, on a nondiscriminatory basis, any job applicant referred by the Union.

Section 3. Current job classifications shall be identified in Appendix A and are subject to change.

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Article 15 – Seniority

Section 1. Seniority shall be defined as unbroken, continuous service in the bargaining unit in a permanent position. A seniority list shall be maintained reflecting each employee’s most recent date of hire in the bargaining unit and date of appointment in the current job classification. A copy of the seniority list will be posted on the employee bulletin board; it will be updated as revisions are necessary. Seniority shall be terminated in the event of layoff for more than twelve (12) months, nonavailability for recall to employment or for resignation or termination. Seniority will be considered unbroken for approved unpaid leave for up to three (3) months for union business.

Section 2. In all layoffs, reemployment, and shift preference the rules of seniority shall prevail when in the judgment of the University the employee is competent to perform the work required. The employee with the least seniority in the job class shall be laid off. An employee in a higher classification who worked for the Print Plant in a lower class or works in the same skill category of other employees (Bookbinder I and II; Electronic Pre-Press categories; press categories) may exercise seniority in order to avoid layoff or be rehired. Where seniority is so exercised, the employee’s rate shall be that of the lower classification.

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Article 16 – Probationary Period

16.1. Probation. An employee will attain permanent status in a job classification upon their successful completion of a probationary period.

1. Every part-time and full-time employee, following their initial appointment to a permanent position, will serve a probationary period of six (6) consecutive months.
2. Permanent employees at the University of Washington shall not be required to complete another probationary period.
3. The Employer will extend an employee’s probationary period, on a day-for-a-day basis, for any day(s) that the employee takes paid time off, unpaid time off, or shared leave, except for leave taken for military service or for purposes of faith, or conscience.  For the purpose of calculating the completion date, an employee’s probationary period shall not end on the employee’s regularly scheduled weekend off or a scheduled holiday off.  In those instances, the completion date will be the next scheduled work-day.
4. Employees in probationary status will earn seniority from their initial date of hire but may not exercise seniority rights until completion of the probationary period. Probationary employees are not eligible for layoff or rehire rights.
5. Probationary Period Rejection. An Appointing Authority may reject an employee who has not completed a probationary period. Upon request by the employee and within ten (10) business days of notice, a meeting to explain such action shall be held with a representative of the Employer. At the employee’s request a representative of the Union shall attend such meetings.  Such rejection is not subject to the grievance procedure, except in cases involving discrimination, under Article 2.

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Article 17 – Union Representatives

Section 1. The Union’s Secretary-Treasurer or Union Representative may arrange a reasonable time to visit the work location of bargaining unit employees as agreed by the Director or designee. Agreement shall not unreasonably be withheld. Such representative shall limit their activities during such investigations to matters relating to this Agreement.

The University shall prevail upon its supervisory personnel to cooperate fully with the steward and other Union representatives in an attempt to promptly resolve any complaints that may arise. The Union, likewise, shall prevail upon all employees in the bargaining unit, and especially the steward, to make a diligent and serious attempt to resolve complaints at the lowest possible level.

Section 2. The Union shall have the right to designate one (1) shop steward for the bargaining unit. The Director shall be notified immediately upon appointment. Under no circumstances shall a shop steward countermand orders or directions from University officials or change working conditions.

Section 3. Where allowable and after prior arrangements have been made, the Union may use meeting rooms in accordance with University regulations for the purpose of conducting Union business, where such activities do not interfere with the normal work of the University.

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Article 18 – Bulletin Board

The University shall provide appropriate bulletin board space for posting of notices by the Union, notices to members of Union meetings, Union elections, and results of Union elections and other business concerning Teamsters Local 117 and the bargaining unit. All other notices shall be subject to review and approval of the University before posting.

All notices relating to official Union business shall be dated and signed by a Union official or the shop steward.

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Article 19 – New Machines, New Methods, New Processes or New Job Classifications

The University will determine initial staffing and wages in the event of new machines, new processes, new methods, or new job classifications and/or reclassifications which upon installation or implementation shall involve craft employees covered by this Agreement. Upon request by the Union, a joint committee will meet to decide if the University’s initial staffing and wage determinations are proper. The committee will be comprised of four (4) members, two (2) appointed by each party. The committee shall review application of the equipment, processes, methods, or job classifications within the printing industry locally. Any wage changes implemented as a result of the committee’s decision shall be retroactive to the date of the beginning of operation of such equipment, processes, methods, or implementation of new job classifications and/or reclassifications. Should the issue remain unresolved ninety (90) days after it is first considered by the joint committee, it then may be submitted to PERC for fact finding mediation.

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Article 20 – Grievance Procedure

Section 1. A grievance within the meaning of this Agreement is any violation of the express terms of this Agreement or a dispute concerning the interpretation or application of any of the specific provisions of this Agreement. The following outline of procedure is written as for a grievance of the Union against the University, but it is understood that the steps are similar for a grievance of the University against the Union.

Section 2. Every effort will be made to settle grievances at the lowest possible level of supervision with the understanding grievances may be filed with the next level if the grievance is against the Manager, Printing Services.

Section 3. Grievances processed through Step 2 of the grievance procedure shall be heard during normal University working hours of 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. unless stipulated otherwise by the parties. Employees involved in such grievance meetings during their normal University working hours shall be allowed to do so without suffering a loss in pay. The shop steward and/or Business Representative and the grievant may attend the grievance meeting.

Section 4. Any time limits stipulated in the grievance procedure may be extended for stated periods of time by the parties by mutual agreement in writing.

Failure by an employee and/or the Union to comply with any time limitation of the procedure in this Article shall constitute withdrawal of the grievance. Failure by the University to comply with any time limitation of the procedure in this Article shall allow the Union and/or the employee to proceed to the next step without waiting for the University to reply at the previous step, except that employees may not process a grievance beyond Step 2.

Section 5. A grievance in the interest of a majority of the employees in the bargaining unit shall be reduced to writing by the Union and may be introduced at Step 2 by the shop steward and/or a Union official and be processed within the time limits set forth herein. If the grievance is initially submitted at Step 2 it shall be submitted within fifteen (15) working days of the alleged contract violation.

Section 6. A grievance shall be processed in accordance with the following procedure:

Step 1. Supervisor, Manager or Designee. A grievance shall be identified within ten (10) working days from the time the complaint arose or should have reasonably been known to exist. If the issue is not resolved informally, the Union may file a written grievance to the supervisor or designee, and the Labor Relations office (laborrel@uw.edu). The Employer will designate a supervisor, manager or designee who will meet with a shop steward and/or union representative and the grievant. The format for the meeting will be by mutual agreement.  The date of the meeting will be mutually agreed upon within ten (10) working days of receipt of the grievance and when possible, the meeting will take place within the aforementioned ten (10) working days. The Human Resources Consultant may also attend, if desired by the University. The employer will respond in writing to the Union within ten (10) working days after the meeting. If the grievance is directed against the employee’s immediate supervisor, the grievance may be presented to the next higher level of supervision. In the event the employee’s immediate supervisor does not have authority to resolve the grievance, the grievance will be presented at the level having authority to act as determined by the Employer.

Step 2. If the grievance is not resolved as provided in Step 1, the Union may move the grievance to Step 2 by filing the written grievance, including a copy of the Step 1 decision to department head, designee, or to the next appropriate level of management and the Office of Labor Relations within ten (10) working days after the decision at Step 1. The date of the meeting will be mutually agreed upon within ten (10) working days after notice of the filing at Step 2 and when possible, the meeting will take place within the aforementioned ten (10) working days. The grievant may be represented by a shop steward and/or a Union staff representative. The University will be represented by the appropriate management official(s) or designee(s), a representative from the Office of Labor Relations, and a Human Resources Consultant, if desired by the University. The University will respond in writing within ten (10) working days after the meeting.

Step 3. Grievance Mediation. If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2, either party may file a request for mediation with the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) in accordance with WAC 391-55-020, with a copy to the Labor Relations Office within ten (10) working days of receipt of the Step 2 decision. In addition to all other filing requirements, the request must include a copy of the grievance and all written responses from the University at Step 1 and Step 2. The non-requesting party will notify the requesting party, and PERC, in writing within ten (10) working days of receipt of the Mediation request if they are not in agreement.  If those services are unavailable on a timely basis, the parties may request a list of grievance mediators from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) or other agreed upon mediation provider. The cost of the mediation shall be borne equally by both parties.

Step 4. If a satisfactory settlement is not reached at the prior step, or the step was skipped, either party may submit the grievance to binding arbitration. Such submittal must be made within ten (10) working days following the written notice that both parties do not agree to Step 3 Mediation or the conclusion of the prior step. If the parties are unable to mutually agree upon an arbitrator, they shall select one (1) from a list of eleven (11) names provided by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS). The parties will make a good faith effort to select an arbitrator within twenty (20) working days after receiving the list from FMCS.

In connection with any arbitration proceeding held pursuant to this Agreement, it is understood as follows:

1. The arbitrator shall have no power to render a decision that will add to, subtract from, alter, change, or modify the terms of this Agreement.
2. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive, and binding upon the University, the Union, and the employee involved.
3. The cost of the arbitrator shall be borne equally by the University and the Union, and each party shall bear the cost of presenting its own case.
4. The arbitrator’s decision shall be made in writing and shall be issued to the parties within thirty (30) days after the case is submitted to the arbitrator.

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Article 21 – Discipline and Dismissal

Section 1. Except as provided in Article 16, Probationary Period, the University shall not discipline or dismiss any employee except for just cause. The University shall be the judge of the employee’s capabilities and competency with respect to the discipline and dismissal.

Section 2. The University’s discipline system shall involve an oral warning followed by a written warning before disciplinary action up to and including dismissal will be taken with the exception of serious offenses as reflected below. After eighteen (18) months from the date of the letter, unless the Employer has specifically indicated a different period of time in the warning notice which will not exceed thirty-six (36) months, warning notices shall be null and void and shall not serve as the basis for further disciplinary action. Serious offenses which may warrant immediate dismissal or other disciplinary action shall include but not be limited to the following: fraud, dishonesty, abuse of fellow employees, sexual harassment, causing physical, mental or emotional harm to another or damage to University property, gross insubordination, substance abuse, the possession, sale or use of controlled or dangerous drugs or narcotics, or reporting for duty under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Section 3. When an employee covered by this Agreement attends a meeting which may lead to suspension, demotion, or termination of the employee because of a particular incident, the employee shall be advised of the right to be accompanied by a representative. If the employee desires representation in said matter, they shall notify the University and shall be provided reasonable time to arrange for representation.

Section 4. Any employee who self-identifies a substance abuse, behavioral, or other problem which is affecting job performance or interfering with the ability to do the job, shall be encouraged to seek information, counseling, or assistance through private sources that they may be aware of or sources available through Washington State Employee Assistance Program (WA EAP). Employees are encouraged to make use of such sources on a self-referral basis and supervisors will assist in maintaining confidentiality. No employee’s job security will be placed in jeopardy as a result of seeking and following through with corrective treatment, counseling, or advice providing that the employee’s job performance meets supervisory expectation.

Section 5. The employees covered by this Agreement may examine their personnel files in the departmental Personnel office in the presence of the Personnel Officer or designee who may remove letters of reference which were retained through assurances of confidentiality to a third party. In matters of dispute regarding this section, no other personnel files will be recognized by the University or the Union except that supportive documents from other files may be used. Materials to be placed into an employee’s personnel file relating to job performance or personal conduct or any other material that may have an adverse effect on the employee’s employment shall be reasonable and accurate and brought to their attention with copies provided to the employee upon request. Employees who challenge material included in the personnel file have the right to note in the file that the employee disagrees.

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Article 22 – Safety

Section 1. All work shall be done in a competent and safe manner, and in accordance with the State of Washington safety codes. Where higher standards are specified by the University than called for as minimum by State codes, University standards shall prevail.

Section 2. At the direction of the University, it is the duty of every employee covered by the Agreement to comply with established safety rules, promote safety and to assist in the prevention of accidents. All employees covered by this Agreement are expected to participate and cooperate in the Department’s safety program.

Section 3. Employees appointed to the Safety Committee will be allowed time off with pay to attend the Safety Committee meetings. The Shop Steward may attend regular safety meetings as an observer without loss of pay when attending during the employee’s regular hours of work.

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Article 23 – Rest/Meal Periods

Section 1. No employee shall be required to work more than five (5) hours without having at least one-half (1/2) hour off for a meal except by mutual agreement between the employee and the Supervisor. Meal periods shall be paid when the employee is required by the University to remain on duty on the premises or at a prescribed work site in the interest of the University.

Section 2. Employees working three (3) or more hours longer than a normal work-day shall be allowed at least one (1) thirty (30) minute meal period prior to or during the overtime period. If required by the department to eat lunch during worktime, the employee shall be paid for the meal period.

Section 3. Employees shall be allowed a rest period of not less than ten (10) minutes on the University’s time for each four (4) hours of working time. Rest periods shall be scheduled as near as possible to the midpoint of the work period. No employee shall be required to work more than three (3) hours without a rest period.

Section 4. Where the nature of the work allows employees to take intermittent rest periods equivalent to ten (10) minutes for each four (4) hours worked, scheduled rest periods are not required.

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Article 24 – Vacations

Section 1. Employees shall receive vacation with pay as outlined below. Accrual begins with the date of hire.

Section 2. Employees shall accrue vacation time off based on the first and successive years of University service at the following schedule:

All part-time employees shall receive prorated vacation time off.

Section 3. A vacation calendar for each unit will be circulated between January 1 and February 15 and posted by March 1 of each year in a conspicuous place by the supervisor for all employees to see for the purpose of entering thereon the dates of each employee’s vacation.

Seniority based on University of Washington service will govern initial choice of vacation dates until March 1 each year. The employee may exercise their seniority on preferred dates only once.

Section 4. Vacation pay shall be at the rate which the employee is receiving at the time vacation is taken.

Section 5. Vacation Time Off Maximum. Employees may accumulate maximum vacation balances not to exceed the statutory limits in accordance with RCW 43.01.040 (currently two hundred eighty (280) hours). However, there are two (2) exceptions that allow vacation time off to accumulate above the maximum:

1. If an employee’s request for vacation time off is denied by the Appointing Authority or designee, and the employee has not exceeded the vacation time off maximum (currently two hundred eighty (280) hours), the Employer shall grant an extension for each month that the Employer defers the employee’s request for vacation time off.
2. An employee may also accumulate vacation time off days in excess of the statutory limit (currently two hundred eighty (280) hours) as long as the employee uses the excess balance prior to their anniversary date. Any time off in excess of the maximum that is not deferred in advance of its accrual as described above, will be lost on the employee’s anniversary date (time off service date).

Section 6. An employee may voluntarily donate eligible vacation time off to another employee under the University Shared Leave Program (APS 45.10).  Upon notification by UW Human Resources that the donated time off is approved, the vacation hours will be deducted from the donor’s current vacation time off balance.

Section 7. In the event that the University cancels an employee’s scheduled and approved vacation, leaving no time to reschedule such vacation before the employee’s maximum balance will be reached, the employee’s vacation balance will be permitted to exceed the allowable maximum and the employee will continue to accrue vacation for a period of up to six (6) months if such exemption is approved.

Section 8. In the event of an employee’s death the cash equivalent of any accrued vacation time off shall be paid to the legal beneficiary in accordance with the law.

Section 9. Any employee who has been employed for at least six (6) continuous months, who either resigns or is terminated by the University shall be entitled to accrued vacation separation pay.

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Article 25 – Miscellaneous Leave

Section 1. The University shall allow paid time off to permit an employee to take an examination for a University position, serve as a member of a jury, or perform other civil duties as subpoenaed.

Section 2. Employees who receive compensation for performing civil duties during working hours shall retain their regular salary.

Section 3. Three (3) days of bereavement time off shall be granted for each occurrence when an employee is required to be absent from work because of the death of a member of an employee’s family as defined in Section 4.

Should the Employer determine it warranted, in addition to bereavement time off, sick time off, vacation time off or unpaid time off may be authorized for condolence or bereavement.

Section 4. Family members. Family members includes biological, adoptive, de facto, or foster parent, stepparent, or legal guardian of an employee or the employee’s spouse or domestic partner, or a person who stood in loco parentis when the employee was a minor child; sibling, spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, or child, regardless of age or dependency status, including a biological, adopted or foster child, stepchild, or a child to whom the employee stands in loco parentis, is a legal guardian, or is a de facto parent. Family members include those persons in a “step” relationship.

Section 5. Suspended Operations. If the University determines it is advisable due to  emergency conditions to suspend the operation of all or any portion of the institution, requiring only employees in essential positions to report to work the following will govern: When prior notification of suspended operations has not been given, non-essential employees released until further notice after reporting to work shall receive a minimum of four (4) hours pay for the first day. Non-essential employees who do not work for the balance of the closure during suspended operations have the following options to account for hours not worked:

1. Using vacation time off.
2. Accrued compensatory time and/or holiday credit.
3. Using personal holiday. An employee must use personal holiday time as a full day or shift.
4. Using unpaid time off.
5. If unpaid time off is used, up to ninety (90) calendar days after operations resume to make up work time lost provided the following:
   1. Employees must request makeup time within five (5) working days after operations resume, and
   2. Reasonable work must exist, and the supervisor must approve the request to work.

Make up time worked by overtime-eligible full-time employees is calculated at time and one-half (1 ½).

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Article 26 – Sick Time Off

Section 1. Sick time off accrual is provided as a form of insurance to minimize loss of compensation to eligible employees due solely to reasons specified below.

Section 2. Accrual.  Full-time employees (prorated for part-time) accrue eight (8) hours of sick time off for each month of completed regular monthly service.  Employees with unpaid time off exceeding eighty (80) hours (prorated for part-time) in a calendar month will earn a monthly accrual proportionate to the number of hours in pay status for the month.

Section 3. Eligible employees may elect to receive monetary compensation for accrued sick time off as follows:

In January of each year, and at no other time, an employee whose sick leave balance at the end of the previous year exceeds four-hundred and eighty (480) hours may elect to convert the sick time off hours earned in the previous calendar year, minus those hours used during the year, to monetary compensation.

No sick time off hours may be converted which would reduce the calendar year-end balance below four-hundred and eighty (480) hours.

Monetary compensation for converted hours shall be paid at the rate of twenty-five percent (25%) and shall be based upon the employee’s current salary.

All converted hours will be deducted from the employee’s sick time off balance.

Employees who separate from University service due to retirement or death shall be compensated for their unused sick time off accumulation from the date of most recent hire at the rate of twenty-five percent (25%).  Compensation shall be based upon the employee’s wage at the time of separation.

No contributions are to be made to the Department of Retirement System (DRS) for such payments above, nor shall such payments be reported to DRS as compensation.

Section 4. An eligible employee who separates for any reason other than retirement or death shall not be paid for their accrued sick time off.

Section 5. Former eligible employees who are re-employed within five (5) years of their separation from service shall be granted all unused sick time off credits, if any, to which they were entitled at time of separation for the purpose of using sick time off for the reasons prescribed below.

Section 6. Accumulated sick time off shall be granted when an eligible employee is required to be absent from work for any of the following reasons:

1. Personal physical or mental illness, injury, or health condition to accommodate the employee’s need for medical diagnosis, care, or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, or an employee’s need for preventative medical care.
2. To allow the employee to provide care for a family member, as defined in Section 11, with a mental or physical illness, injury, or health condition, care of a family member who needs medical diagnosis, care, or treatment of a mental or physical illness, injury or health condition, or care for a family member who needs preventive medical care.
3. When the employee’s place of business has been closed by order of a public official for any health-related reason, or when an employee’s child’s school or place of care has been closed for such reason, or after the declaration of an emergency by a local or state government agency or by the federal government.
4. For absences that qualify for leave under the state’s Domestic Violence Leave Act (DVLA).
5. To provide emergency child-care or because of condolence or bereavement (as in Article 25).

Section 7. When an eligible employee becomes ill or disabled while on vacation, the employee shall be granted accrued sick time off as provided above for the condition (in lieu of the approved vacation time off) provided that the employee requests such sick time off within one (1) day after return to work. A physician’s statement affirming the illness or disability may be requested.

Section 8. Sick time off shall be reported at the beginning of the absence and in accordance with UW Creative Communications procedure.

Employees may be asked for medical verification of sick time off only after three (3) consecutive days of leave.

Section 9. An employee who sustains a work-related illness or injury shall be granted a disability leave of absence in accordance with federal and state law.  It is the intention of the University to comply with state and federal laws regarding such absences through its policies and procedures.

Employees who are in leave without pay status for up to six (6) months due to a work-related injury, upon written request and proof of continuing disability, shall maintain their seniority and progression start date.  Leave without pay exceeding six (6) months without loss of seniority or change in progression start date may be granted at the option of the employing official.

Employees who suffer a work-related injury or illness that is compensable under the state worker’s compensation law may select time loss compensation exclusively, or a combination of leave payment and time loss compensation.

Section 10. An employee may voluntarily donate eligible sick time off to another employee under the University Shared Leave Program (APS 45.10).  Upon notification by UW Human Resources that the donated time off is approved, the sick time off hours will be deducted from the donor’s current sick time off balance.

Section 11. For the purposes of sick time off, family member is defined as the employee’s spouse or same or opposite sex domestic partner, child, child’s spouse, parent, grandparent, grandchild, and sibling. Family member also includes individuals in the following relationships with the employee’s spouse or domestic partner: child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent. Child also includes a child of a legal guardian or de facto parent, regardless of age or dependency status and those to whom the employee is “in loco parentis” or “de facto” parent as well as a child of a legal guardian or de facto parent. Parent and parent-in-law also includes de facto parent, foster parent, stepparent, or legal guardian. Family member includes any individual who regularly resides in the employee’s home, except that it does not include an individual who simply resides in the same home with no expectation that the employee care for the individual.

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Article 27 – Holidays

Section 1. The following days or days in lieu thereof shall be recognized as paid holidays:

New Year’s Day
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
President’s Day
Memorial Day
Juneteenth (June 19^th)
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veteran’s Day
Thanksgiving Day
Native American Heritage Day (Day after Thanksgiving)
Christmas Day

Whenever any holiday listed above falls on a Sunday, the following Monday shall be considered a holiday. Whenever any holiday listed above falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday shall be considered the holiday.

The University may designate other days to be observed as University holidays in lieu of the above holidays.

Section 2. Personal Holiday. Employees who are employed four (4) months or more during a calendar year shall be entitled to a Personal Holiday during that calendar year. This day can be used in the same manner as any earned vacation day.

Use of the Personal Holiday shall be requested. When the Personal Holiday has been approved in advance and is later cancelled by the University with less than thirty (30) days’ notice, the employee shall have the option of rescheduling the day with the supervisory approval. If the employee cannot be scheduled off, holiday premium pay will be paid.

Section 3. When employees work on a designated holiday, they shall receive one (1) shift’s pay plus premium pay at double time for all hours worked on such holiday.

Section 4. To qualify for holiday pay, employees covered by this Agreement must be in pay status the normal workday before or after the holiday; provided, however, employees returning from unpaid time off starting work the day after a holiday shall not be entitled to pay for the holiday preceding their first day of work. Part-time employees shall receive holiday pay on a pro-rata basis.

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Article 28 – University Activities

Employees are eligible to participate in University activities available to the classified staff or the campus community at large such as but not limited to use of the Library facilities, the Intramural Activities Building, participation in tuition exemption courses and deferred compensation plans.

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Article 29 – Contracting Out

Section 1. The Employer may contract out work normally performed by members of the bargaining unit. Contracting out decisions will be based on client need, cost, and the capacity to perform the work needed based on workload, the appropriate use of equipment and staff availability.

Section 2. Outsourcing Review Committee. The parties agree to establish an Outsourcing Review Committee with equal representation from UW management, print production and account managers. This committee will meet quarterly, or as often as mutually agreed, to review a sampling of jobs purchased from outside print vendors. The purpose of the committee is to create an understanding of the factors that drive contracted-out print work and to generate ideas for developing production capacity to keep appropriate print work at Creative Communications.

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Article 30 – Complete Understanding

The parties acknowledge that each has had the unlimited right within the law and the opportunity to make demands and proposals with respect to any matter deemed a proper subject for collective bargaining. The results of the exercise of the right and opportunity are set forth in this Agreement. Therefore, the University and the Union, for the duration of the Agreement, each agree to waive the right to oblige the other party to bargain with respect to any subject or matter not specifically referred to or covered in this Agreement.

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Article 31 – Subordination of Agreement

The parties hereto and the employees of the University are governed by the provisions of applicable State and Federal law. Whenever any provision of State law adopted after the execution of this Agreement is in conflict with or is different from the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of this agreement shall remain unchanged and in effect during the terms of this Agreement. Where any provision of Federal law is adopted after the execution of this Agreement and is in conflict with any provision of this Agreement, that Federal law shall prevail and modify the Agreement to the extent necessary to comply with that Federal law.

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Article 32 – Disclosure of Personnel File Information

Upon receipt of any court order or subpoena seeking documents from an employee’s personnel file, the Employer will provide the employee with a copy of the order or subpoena. When documents or information in an employee’s personnel, payroll, supervisory or training file are the subject of a public records request, the Employer will provide the employee with a copy of the request at least fourteen (14) calendar days in advance of the intended release date.

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Article 33 – Release Time For Union Business

Whereas it benefits the University to have Union stewards who understand the contract and are trained in administration of the contract, each of the Union’s stewards shall be allowed a total of eight (8) working hours annually without loss of pay to participate in the Union’s steward training program.  Said time off shall be approved in advance by the employee’s supervisor and shall be contingent upon the ability to provide coverage during the time off. Any requests for additional time off to attend union business in excess of eight (8) working hours annually shall be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and shall be granted at the Employer’s discretion. All time off to attend to union business in excess of eight (8) working hours annually shall be unpaid.

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Article 34 – Transportation

Section 1. Bargaining unit employees will not be charged a fee for a U-PASS.

Section 2. The University agrees to inform the Union as soon as possible after the University learns of any modifications to parking rates that may affect bargaining unit employees. The Union will have the option to bargain the impacts of any changes to parking rates that will affect bargaining unit employees.

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Article 35 – Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave

Washington Family Medical Leave Program (PFML) effective January 1, 2020. The parties recognize that the Washington State Family and Medical Leave Program (RCW 50A.04) is in effect beginning January 1, 2020, and eligibility for and approval of leave for purposes as described under that Program shall be in accordance with RCW 50A.04. In the event that the legislature amends all or part of RCW 50A.04, those amendments are considered by the parties to be incorporated herein. In the event that the legislature repeals all or part of RCW 50A.04, those provisions that are repealed are considered by the parties to be expired and no longer in effect upon the effective date of their repeal.
Under RCW 50A, employer provided healthcare benefits must be maintained during a PFML leave, so interspersing time off is not required provided the employee qualifies for a reason under the federal FMLA. Under RCW 50A.15.060(2), the University has elected to offer supplemental benefits in the form of sick time off, vacation time off, personal holiday, holiday credit, holiday taken, or compensatory time off.
Employees requesting PFML benefits through the Employment Security Department must provide notice to the University as outlined under RCW 50A.04.030.

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Article 36 – Duration And Renewal

Section 1. This agreement shall be in full force and effect from July 1, 2023 or upon ratification, whichever is later, until and including June 30, 2025 and from year to year thereafter unless changed as provided herein.

Section 2. If either party wishes to propose a change or alter or amend any conditions of this Agreement to take effect after June 30, 2025, it shall notify the other party in writing sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of this Agreement, such notice to set forth in detail the changes desired. Negotiations shall commence within 30 days thereafter.

Section 3. If neither party to this Agreement gives written notice at the time and in the manner specified above, this Agreement shall be extended for a period of one (1) year from the date of expiration.

Appendices

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Appendix A – Wage Rates

Wages shall not be based on piece work but shall be on the basis of time worked.

Wage rates will be increased as follows, if ratified by July 31, 2023:

• Effective on July 16, 2023, all job classifications will be increased by four percent (4%).  This increase will be based upon the salary schedule in effect on July 15, 2023.
• Effective July 1, 2024, all job classifications will be increased by three and one half percent (3.5%).  This increase will be based upon the salary schedule in effect on June 30, 2024.

Assistant Supervisor five percent (5%) above highest supervised or the employee’s salary, whichever is greater.

Shift differential = $1.25/hour

*Eight (8) hour shifts

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Appendix B – Job Categories

Press Operator
Perform manual and machine operator tasks in the set-up, maintenance and operation of a printing press. Interpret instruction, perform, or direct press set up and run adjustment samples to set print quality. Operate press to produce product to quality standards.

Digital Press Operator
Responsible for previewing, preparing, proofing, and printing the full range of color and black and white jobs on a digital color press. Performs advanced duties in the electronic preparation of files for digital printing, including color manipulation and correction. Requires knowledge of and experience working with trapping and imposition, preflight, file preparation, color management, color calibration process and instruments. Performs advanced level troubleshooting of files. Maintains high standards of quality by evaluating and monitoring output according to specifications and/or client expectations. Monitors and calibrates system and supplies to ensure uninterrupted production. Must have experience using computers and knowledge of multiple operating systems. Performs troubleshooting, maintenance, cleaning, and replenishing of consumables. May perform all duties of an EP1.

Book Binder I
Set up, operate, and maintain large machine bindery operations. Machinery may include didde collating machine (including numbering machine), hand fed stamping embossing equipment, programmable cutters, large folding equipment, in-line stitch/trim equipment, adhesive (perfect) binding equipment, and 3-knife trimmer, set up and maintain hand fed gang stitcher. May temporarily perform functions of other bookbinder classes without loss of pay.

Book Binder II
Set up, operate, and maintain hand fed operations on smaller, less complicated equipment. This may include tipping equipment, single and multi-spindle drills, hand fed perforating/scoring equipment, single function stitchers, manual punching and closing (GBC) equipment. Feed, unload and/or pack on full multiple function binding lines and hand-fed gang stitcher; take off folders; miscellaneous hand folding or assembling; inspect and sort material; and feed shrink wrapper. May temporarily perform duties of any lower class without loss of pay.

Shipping/Receiving/Stockroom Coordinator
Coordinates the delivery and receiving of materials to and from vendors. Moves equipment and supplies. Coordinates the deliveries of finished printed material to the client. Ensures all shipping documents and functions are completed accurately and, in conjunction with production control department, develops inbound and outbound freight and delivery schedules. In cooperation with other responsible parties, makes appropriate entries documenting shipping, receiving, and buyout activities in the departmental manufacturing tracking system. Coordinates with production control to ensure that all priority jobs have been delivered. Performs final quality control inspection prior to delivery. Verifies packing slip counts with material labels. Maintains a consistent stock storage system, and an accurate physical inventory of stock on hand. Leads truck drivers and General Workers when they assist in the Shipping and Stockroom areas. Maintains good housekeeping in the Shipping and Stockroom areas.

Electronic Prepress I
Performs advanced duties in the electronic preparation and output of files for offset printing, including but not limited to extracting images from client files and reformat for printing, adjust photos for dot gain and make other corrections for advanced image processing, such as color manipulation and correction. Must have complete understanding of the printing process and the role of Prepress in that process, including thorough knowledge of flat lay work and conventional stripping techniques. Must have advanced knowledge of all relevant prepress software applications and systems used in the production process, including outputting files for plates and film where required. Responsible for performing appropriate trapping and imposition of the most complex files as required by the nature of the work. Functions include scanning, ripping, trapping, imposition, proofing image-setting, and digital plating. Performs advanced-level troubleshooting of files and suggest and implement solutions, including but not limited to the non-exclusive preflight of electronic files, and making corrections appropriate for use in offset production. Performs front line customer service for online Storefronts, builds variable data campaign packages, and keeps products up to date, as assigned. May on occasion perform the functions of lithographer. May on occasion perform the functions of lower classifications.

Electronic Prepress II
Knowledge and understanding of the printing process and the role of prepress. Thorough knowledge of all relevant prepress software. Ability to prepare electronic files for offset printing, including modification of files to include trapping, bleeds, and imposition according to organizational standards. Knowledge of and ability to produce and modify scans of original work. Responsible for operation, calibration, and maintenance of image setter/processor. Not responsible for drum scanning or “high end” color manipulation.

Truck Driver/Stockroom Assistant
Drive small delivery vehicles (vans and trucks), perform pickup and delivery of materials and finished products.  Assist the Shipping/Receiving/Stockroom Coordinator.

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Memoranda of Understanding and Side Letters

Memoranda of Understanding Between the University of Washington (University) and the Teamsters Local Union No. 117 Print Plant

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MOU – Lump Sum Payment

During negotiations for the 2023-2025 successor agreement, the parties reached agreement on the following lump sum payments, if the Agreement is ratified on or before July 31, 2023:

1. Employees in an active position with a UW compensation plan, and with an FTE on August 15, 2023, will receive a single one (1) time lump sum payment of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
2. The payment will be paid within ninety (90) days of August 15, 2023.
3. In order to receive the lump sum payment, the employee must also have an active position in Workday on the last day of the pay period in which the lump sum payment is distributed. For example, if the lump sum is paid on the 10^th of the month, the employee must be in an active position on the last day of the previous month. If the lump sum is paid on the 25^th of the month, the employee must have an active position on the 15^th of the month.

This MOU will expire upon implementation.

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MOU – Targeted Recruitment and Retention Wage Increases

During negotiations for the 2023-2025 successor agreement, the parties agreed to the following regarding targeted recruitment and retention wage increases, effective August 1, 2023, following any contractual across-the-board increases on July 16, 2023.

1. The hourly rate for Digital Press Operator (Job Code 11898) will be increased by five percent (5%).
   a) Ken Dirks’ additional responsibilities differential pay will end on July 31, 2023.
2. The hourly rate for Bookbinder II (Job Code 11886) will be increased by six percent (6%).
   a) Stephen Zydek’s shift differential pay will end on July 31, 2023.
3. The hourly rate for Shipping/Receiving/Stockroom Coordinator (Job Code 11869) will be increased by five percent (5%).
   a) Michael Fisch’s assistant supervisory differential pay will end on July 31, 2023.

This MOU will expire upon implementation.

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