Political Endorsements

Over the last few months members in the Political Working Group identified important issues to assess local candidates on: investment in education, worker protections, housing affordability, transportation, race and equity, and climate justice. They have assembled and disseminated questionnaires about these issues to all the candidates in important local races, reviewed candidate responses and their records, and conducted candidate interviews Based on that work, UAW has endorsed a number of candidates, and you can check out the current list and explanations here. It’s critical to vote in the August primary — there are a number of important races that will have direct impacts on our Union and the University, and the primaries will filter each race down to two candidates for the general election in November.

Looking ahead to the August 6 primary, the deadline to register online to vote or change your address is 8 days before election day! If you’re not sure whether your registration is up to date, please register to vote or change your address. You can register or change your address in person until 8 pm election day. Primary ballots will be mailed out on July 17, and ballot drop boxes close promptly at 8 pm on 6 August.

Seattle City Council
D4 Emily Myers
D1 Lisa Herbold
D2 Tammy Morales
D3 Kshama Sawant
D6 Dan Strauss
D7 Andrew Lewis

King County Council
D4: Jeanne Kohl-Welles

Seattle School Board
Pos. 3 Rebeca Muñiz

U-PASS Action Planning

Last week a group of ASEs and Postdocs met to discuss continued problems with the free U-PASS. The University is currently refusing to provide a free U-PASS to ASEs with appointments that are less than 50% FTE and hourly appointments, and are also delaying implementation of the free U-PASS for Postdocs (which was supposed to be effective July 1 per the Postdoc CBA).

We filed a grievance months ago alleging that the ASE contract has been violated, and we have now filed a grievance alleging that the Postdoc contract has been violated as well. While these processes play out, ASEs and Postdocs are formulating action plans to push for full implementation of the free U-PASS program for those who are being denied. If you are interested in participating please email upass-action@uaw4121.org.

Fall Trans Resource Fair

The UAW 4121 Trans Equity Working Group is hosting a Trans Resource Fair on October 10th from 4-7pm in SWS 305. All are welcome to attend. tiny.cc/TransUW2019

Paid Family Leave Update

On July 10 the University began unilaterally deducting premiums from ASE paychecks for the Washington State Family Leave Program. This occurred despite the fact that we are continuing to negotiate over terms to be included in our collective bargaining agreement, and in particular address problems facing international students and ASEs paid on stipends that arise from University policy and state law. Under the University’s current bargaining proposal, these ASEs could still be denied access to coverage even if they work the requisite number of hours to qualify for paid family leave under Washington State Law. In addition, we’re continuing to push for terms that are similar to how our current Leave provision provides leave for ASEs who are not eligible under the FMLA (Federal Family Medical Leave Act).

Earlier this year we filed an Unfair Labor Practice charge, which is still pending. We expecting either a hearing or mediation (or both) in front of the State Labor Board in the coming months and will provide updates as they occur. In the meantime if you are interested in joining the work group that is researching and helping negotiate this, please email <family-leave@uaw4121.org>

Rally for Rent Control

Join renters, workers, housing advocates, socialists, and community activists for a Rent Control Rally on Saturday, July 20th, 6pm at All Pilgrims Christian Church (500 Broadway). Come out to celebrate gaining over 10,000 signatures to a rent control petition, to talk about future plans to continue building the movement and get this legislation passed, and to demonstrate that 4121 is ready to fight for rent control!

In solidarity,
Douglas Avella-Castro
Monica Cortés Viharo
Meg Drouhard
Vern Harner
Dan Hart
Sam Kastner
Kyle Kubler
Kristin McCowan
Emily Myers
Jacob O’Connor
Nayon Park
David Parsons
Shua Sanchez
Paige Sechrest
Sam Sumpter
Judy Twedt
Jon Witt