UW & UAW Postdocs Negotiations Recap for January 9, January 11, and January 12, 2023
Background
This recap details the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth session for the negotiation for the collective bargaining agreement between the UW and UAW Postdocs. Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
Tentative Agreements
Article 16 – Non-discrimination and Harassment
- This article details Non-discrimination and Harassment. New language was added stating that the University encourages anyone who has experienced or observed discrimination or harassment to report the allegation(s). A new section was added regarding a new yearly equity survey that will be jointly administered to all Postdocs focused on Postdoc specific concerns.
Article 19 – Professional Development & Career Counseling
- This article details Professional Development & Career Counseling. A new section was added stating that upon request, the Union and University shall meet two times per calendar year to discuss issues related to professional development of Postdoctoral Scholars, and to strategize further steps for enhancing professional development.
MOU – Empowering Prevention and Inclusive Communities (Epic) Training
- This article details Empowering Prevention and Inclusive Communities (Epic) Training. New language was added stating the University will encourage Postdoctoral Scholars to attend EPIC training.
UW Counter Proposals
Article 5- Childcare
In response to the Union, the Employer proposed to raise the proposed amount for the yearly childcare fund from $65,000 to $70,000.
Article 27- Transportation
In response to the Union, the Employer made small language edits to match the Unions proposed language regarding shower facilities.
Article 32- Wages
The Employer proposed a new set pay scale of effective January 1, 2023, the minimum salary for Postdoctoral Scholars is $65,508. Postdoctoral Scholar-Fellows with new appointments, reappointments, or anniversary dates (whichever comes first) after January 1, 2023, will have their total stipend increased to $65,508. Postdoctoral Scholars paid directly (PDR) by a non-UW entity/funding sources are paid a minimum of $53,760. All Postdoctoral Scholars shall receive a salary/stipend increase of no less than one percent every year on the anniversary date of their appointment.
Article 34- Duration
The Employer proposed a three year successor contract agreement.
MOU – Immigration Status and Visas
The Employer proposed adding new language stating the University will strongly encourage units to request the Premium Processing Fee option for new Postdoctoral H-1B work authorization applications
New Article – Reasonable Accommodations
In response to the Union, the Employer made small language edits to the proposed new language regarding reasonable accommodations.
UAW Counter Proposals
Article 5- Childcare
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed to lower the proposed amount for the yearly childcare fund from $85,000 to $80,000.
Article 27- Transportation
In response to the Employer, the Union removed the Employers proposed new language stating shower facilities access requests would not be subject to the grievance procedure.
Article 32- Wages
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed to strike the pay table and go to a set pay scale. The new proposed salaries would be effective January 1, 2023, the minimum salary/stipend for Postdoctoral Scholars is $67,500. Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum salary/stipend for Postdoctoral Scholars shall be $72,000. All Postdoctoral Scholars shall receive a salary/stipend increase of no less than four percent every year on the anniversary date of their appointment.
Article 34- Duration
The Union proposed a 23 month successor contract agreement.
MOU – Immigration Status and Visas
The Union proposed adding new language stating the University shall reimburse Postdocs the amount equivalent to the cost of the J-1 SEVIS I-901 fee and the OPT I-765 filing fee.
MOU – Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Direct
In response to the Employer, the Union proposed to lower the proposed amount for the Postdoctoral Scholar Paid Directs stipend intended for personal expenses such as healthcare related costs from $650 per month to $575 per month.
New Article – Housing
In response to the Employer, the Unions proposed new article regarding healthcare now reads the University shall make available affordable housing for International Postdocs who relocate to the U.S. to work for the University. Rent for such housing shall not exceed 30% of the Postdoc’s salary plus annual housing subsidy.
New Article – Reasonable Accommodations
In response to the Employer, the Union made edits to the proposed new language regarding reasonable accommodations.
Next Steps
The next UW & UAW Postdocs bargaining session is scheduled for January 20, 2023, and will be held virtually.