This morning was the first Research Staff bargaining day. Based on the Initial Bargaining Demands our members have ratified, input through the bargaining survey, and thousands of conversations with our colleagues, the Research Staff unit has begun bargaining our successor contract!
In today’s shorter half-day session on Zoom, our Research Staff Bargaining Team proposed 18 articles to maintain current contract language and minor changes to 2 additional articles. Management’s bargaining team consisted of HR and administrative staff from different UW colleges and schools. Over the course of the session, we reached a Tentative Agreement on 7 articles.
You can read all the articles exchanged and stay updated on what happens in bargaining here in our bargaining portal:
The next bargaining session is a full-day in-person session on March 10th. We will present our Initial Bargaining Demands and continue making progress towards a strong union contract.
Building on the successes of our first union contract, Research Staff like you are collectively fighting to create a UW that works for all of us – one that:
- Supports successful career paths for Research Staff
- Provides pay structures that keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living
- Invests in a more inclusive, accessible, equitable, and diverse Research Staff community
- Fosters a safe, fair, and productive work environment
Ahead of March 10th, here are three ways we can continue to build power:
- Sign on to our Initial Bargaining Demands (IBDs) and share them with your colleagues
- Become a member if you’re not already
- Join the Contract Action Team
Our union believes strongly in participatory and transparent bargaining. All members are welcome to attend sessions and work on contract proposals. If you want to join the next bargaining session or help out with the articles, please reach out to the bargaining team email: bargaining-RS@uaw4121.org
In solidarity,
Your Bargaining Team
Gabriel Beuchat
Iván Cruz
Tess Grover
KeliAnne Hara-Hubbard
Evan Howard
Jessamy Johnson
Lucas O’Bryan
N. Shane Patrick
Gracy Shaw