Today, UW sent an email soliciting individual ASE’s to confirm whether or not we intend to go on strike (“fulfill your job-related obligations”) from June 2-15, 2018, as well as threatening not to pay during that time period for those that don’t respond or confirm their participation in the strike.
This solicitation is an inappropriate attempt to intimidate ASE’s and gain leverage at the bargaining table, where the parties are meeting today and still have time to reach a negotiated agreement and avoid a strike. UW appears to be focusing its efforts on threats and intimidation rather than working toward a fair contract for ASE’s at the bargaining table.
The UW’s deadline for this form is Tuesday. We are still bargaining all day today and we recommend that you do not respond. No ASE needs to reach a decision regarding strike participation while the parties are still at the bargaining table. In addition, we are not aware of any UW policy that requires ASE’s to respond to UW’s email solicitation.
You could choose to respond as follows: “I understand that UW and UAW 4121 have a bargaining session scheduled on June 1, 2018. I am hoping that the parties reach a fair and equitable negotiated agreement through bargaining prior to June 2nd. Because negotiations are ongoing, this inquiry is premature as I do not presently know the outcome of the parties bargaining on June 1st. I will evaluate my participation in any strike and obligations as an ASE from June 2-15 if and when necessary.”
We will keep you apprised of what happens in negotiations today. Don’t forget that tonight’s meeting is at 6:00 p.m at Rainier Vista by the fountain. We will be discussing the university’s final offer and preparing for a straw poll to all members.
In solidarity,
UAW 4121 Bargaining Committee