July 22nd Bargaining Session

UWHA and UW Labor Relations met for the third bargaining session on July 22nd. Articles 7, 20, 22, and 23 were discussed. Additionally, Article 24 was brought forth with no new changes. Article 7 covers Grievances and minor changes were proposed. UWHA proposed striking the term “professional behavior” from the language based on equity data showing women and people of color are significantly more likely to be disciplined in connection to “professionalism,” and included language that would clarify the process for scheduled arbitration hearings. UWHA asked if the university currently keeps track of demographics for those who are disciplined for “professionalism” and UW Labor Relations said no. 

Article 20 covers Non-Discrimination. UWHA proposed an update to the language in line with other union contracts at UW and residency unions across the country. Similarly to the preceding articles, Article 22 had minimal proposed changes. The purpose of the proposed changes were to be inclusive of all research years of residency. Current pay scales for research years differ dramatically between program and residency year, and are impacted by programs who have non-accredited research years. The hope is to adapt the language to ensure residents are fairly paid, irregardless of the programs accreditation research year status.

Lastly, UWHA brought forth multiple proposals to Article 23, to increase resident and fellow salaries, including:

• Salary increase to match our peer institutions, with starting salary for post-graduate year (PGY) 1 residents $64,036.83 in AY20 and other PGY salaries increased accordingly
• Pay increase of 4% per year thereafter, to match increases in cost of living and in line with other government workers in King County
• Increase the housing stipend to $16,438.73 per year, to match peer institutions in high-cost locations and alleviate rent burden
• Increase the chief resident stipend to $500 per month

Seattle is one of the most expensive places in the country to live, and compensation for residents here should reflect that. The residents and fellows at UW are currently compensated so poorly that many qualify for Low Income Public Housing. Failing to compensate residents fairly is impacting UW’s reputation. Over the last thirteen years, UW has had a more difficult time filling its residency positions each year. In the past three years, out of the 100 largest academic centers in the country, UW ranked 80th (20th percentile) in terms of ability to fill residency spots. 

UWHA presented a packet proposal of data showing the current costs and impacts on residents, including resident testimonials. UWHA plans to share this data publicly in the near future. 

The next bargaining session is set for Tuesday, August 6th, at 3:00pm on the UW campus.