Please take a moment now to participate in the ratification vote.
Yesterday, over 1900 members voted in a straw poll on the university’s proposed contract, with 62% voting to accept the proposal. Based on member feedback, the Bargaining Committee voted (12-4) to tentatively agree to the contract, pending a formal ratification vote by members. This means the final decision lies with membership — no contract can be final unless a majority of voting members decide to approve. This vote will close this Sunday (6/3) at 5pm, and it’s critical that everyone vote to ensure the decision is as inclusive and representative as possible. For more information, please continue reading or check out the FAQ here https://www.uaw4121.org/201718-contract-campaign/ratification-vote-faq/.
What does this ratification vote mean? In short this vote enables members to democratically weigh in on the terms and conditions of the university’s proposed contract. A simple majority of those voting determines the outcome of the vote. However, for the vote to be representative and powerful, it’s critical for a supermajority of ASEs to participate.
What would it mean to vote to ratify this offer? If a majority of those voting accept the tentative agreement, the new contract would take effect upon the conclusion of the ratification vote. Wage increases would go into effect on July 1.
What would it mean to vote to reject this offer? If a majority of those voting reject the tentative agreement, we would go on strike from June 4 to June 15. We would continue under the one-year contract extension, which includes most, though not all, provisions of current contract (see below). We would also continue negotiating with the university.
What are the terms of the tentative agreement that we’re voting on? You can read more about the specific terms of the tentative agreement, including full proposed language, here https://www.uaw4121.org/201718-contract-campaign/2017-18-bargaining-proposals/.
What are arguments in favor of accepting this offer? Considerations discussed yesterday include:
> Operating under an expired collective bargaining agreement means no wage increases on July 1, and, if there is still no agreement reached by fall quarter, loss of building fee waiver ($152/quarter). There have been concerns raised about how these and other potential risks could affect the most vulnerable among us.
> Accepting the offer enables us to continue to organize, build collective power, and fight for a more equitable university with a contract rather than without one;
> The contract includes improvements on a number of our equity demands, including jointly-developed harassment trainings, transparency in hourly pay, and movement on 2 of the 4 remaining fees (U-PASS and — in effect — IMA Bond), as well as other areas.
What are arguments in favor of rejecting this offer? Considerations discussed yesterday include:
> The movement made in the tentative agreement on compensation is not enough to keep up increases to costs of living, a key issue of equity we have been pushing for in this contract campaign;
> An effective strike would enable us to build power, with the continued solidarity of other labor unions, to keep pushing for a better offer;
> UW Admin has not made sufficient movement during negotiations or treated us with sufficient respect for this tentative agreement to be enough to call off a strike.
How long is the vote open? How will we be notified of the results? The vote will open in the morning on Saturday, June 2 and will close 5pm on Sunday June 3. Members will be notified via email and on the website of the results by 6pm on Sunday.
How can I get more information or give more feedback? Members of the bargaining committee will be holding office hours on campus at the HUB Starbucks on Saturday from 10am-5pm and in the UAW Local office (2633 Eastlake Ave E, Suite 200) on Sunday from 10am-5pm. You are also welcome to email uaw4121@uaw4121.org, contact your steward, and check out uaw4121.org for more information or with questions.
In solidarity,
UAW 4121 Bargaining Committee