February 5, 2023
Tomorrow, all UW Research Scientists and Engineers A-4 and UW Postdocs will begin Strike Authorization Votes (SAV) to authorize our bargaining teams to call strikes should circumstances justify.
Will you join us in voting YES on day 1 of the Strike Authorization Vote?
Our bargaining teams have been in negotiations with UW Admin for over six months now and we are experiencing continual stalling tactics from UW Admin at every turn. Taking a SAV now is how we will build pressure rather than letting UW draw this out.
We’re voting YES because:
- RSEs need a contract to keep up with cost of living and get the protections we need.
- UW must rescind the decision to unilaterally convert RSEs into hours-tracking positions—this is breaking the law.
- UW has not moved on our proposals on wages, childcare, rights of international researchers, bridge funding, and more.
The Strike Authorization Vote starts TOMORROW and will run from Feb. 6 – Feb. 16. You will receive an email on Monday morning with the subject line “Strike Authorization Vote Ballot: UW Research Scientist and Engineer A-4.” It will contain a link to an online ballot. A strong “Yes” vote by UW RSEs and Postdocs will send UW Admin a clear message that we are united and willing to strike if they continue to thwart our progress toward fair contracts. For more information, find answers to frequently asked questions about the SAV, or respond to this email with any questions.
As always, in case you aren’t already a follower, a quick plug for our social media accounts; they are an easy way to stay in the loop: Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, and also, reach out if you have any questions.
In solidarity,
UWRU/UAW RSE and PD Bargaining Committees
Thaddeus Armstrong
Luci Baker
Leila Blair
Rebecca Bluett
Nick Bolten
Brant Bowers
Jai Broome
Tucker Burgin
Erin Carll
Shelly Carpenter
Bonnie Chang
Morgan Crotta
Iván Cruz
Pat Erickson
Abby Gambrill
Jay Mas Gilvydis
Anya Kalata
Julia Kobelt
Katherine Lasdin
Ellen MacLachlan
Katie Osterhage
Deborah Nemens
Van Redila
Annelise Smith
Jer Steeger
Galen Stewart
Kambiz Tavabi
Jacob Tietsort
Stacey Wedlake
Ryan Will
Tricia Wu
Joshua Yee