August 10, 2022
RSE A-4 Bargaining Starts Next Week
With A-4 bargaining starting next week (Monday 8/15), hundreds of RSEs have signed on in support of initial proposals developed by the bargaining committee. We’ll provide periodic updates about the process: in the meantime let us know if you have thoughts about possible proposals for other UW Researchers!
Supervisor/Manager challenges (still going…)
There have been some interesting developments in the process of adjudicating UW Admin’s claim that some RSEs A-4 should be excluded from the bargaining unit as Supervisors or Managers (see previous updates here and here). In June and July, several days of hearing (conducted over the period of several weeks) were consumed by UW Admin’s presentation of evidence about one service center on campus. PERC (the Public Employment Relations Commission, overseeing the process) had requested that this presentation be made as short as possible but UW Admin insisted on adding days to fully explain their arguments. In our view, their presentation did little to support the Administration’s position. Now, Admin has dropped most of these challenges. They also stated that they have no availability for additional hearing dates until the end of October.
In response, the Executive Director of PERC has taken the unusual step of stating that he will issue a decision anyways – despite UW dropping their challenges – on the evidence that was presented. This is a good sign, and shows PERC is taking steps to make it harder to sustain thin challenges. PERC also communicated to UW Admin that their lack of availability was unacceptable and has convened a meeting this week to discuss scheduling hearing dates sooner.
While we’re pleased to see PERC take action to hold UW Admin accountable we also know that PERC has limited tools for moving them to reach a fair agreement. Once again we’re seeing that we can move the process most effectively through collective action: a strong majority on authorization cards, a strong Yes vote in an election (if necessary), a strong majority participating in bargaining, etc. We’re on a good path for building the structure necessary to win – let’s keep it up!
Reminder: Come Socialize 8/14
We’re having a picnic for all UW Researchers on Sunday, August 14th, 6pm at Gas Works Park to celebrate the recent election win and the start of bargaining. Pizza and drinks will be provided, but feel free to bring a side to share. Partners and children are more than welcome – and feel free to stop by for a few minutes or a while. So we can make sure there’s enough to go around please RSVP by August 12th.
Reminder: General Meeting 8/18
Our next monthly union meeting is Thursday, August 18th at 5pm. Please register here for the zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/
Thank you for your continued feedback and input and stay tuned for updates.
UWRU/UAW Bargaining Committee
Thaddeus Armstrong
Leila Blair
Jai Broome
Erin Carll
Shelly Carpenter
Morgan Crotta
Iván Cruz
Abby Gambrill
Jennifer Gilvydis
Anya Kalata
Julia Kobelt
Katherine Lasdin
Ellen MacLachlan
Cara Margherio
Katie Osterhage
Deborah Nemens
Bryan Sands
Galen Stewart
Kambiz Tavabi
Stacey Wedlake
Ryan Will
Tricia Wu