UWHA and UW Labor Relations (LR) met for the eleventh bargaining session on October 15th. LR supplied counter proposals on Articles 1 (Childcare), 3 (Definitions), 6 (Fringe Benefits), 18 (Management Rights), 23 (Salary), and newly submitted article “Union Activities.” UWHA brought forth counter proposals for Articles 7, 10-13; however, they were not discussed due to lack of time.
The counterproposal for Childcare contained no additional funding to the Childcare Fund, only including language updates based on feedback from GME. UWHA reiterated the importance of a more robust Childcare Fund and it’s value in recruiting and sustaining a diverse cohort of residents.
Regarding, Article 6, Fringe Benefits – LR proposed updates to the Resident Orientation section with language specifying which activities residents would receive pay for, in addition to adding language to “Relocation” to state that departments may reimburse for relocation expenses consistent with administrative policy. UWHA is concerned about how that would occur in practice and what that means for residents and fellows in programs with less funding.
LR proposed language updates to Article 18, Moonlighting. UWHAs priority for this article is to make moonlighting easily and fairly accessible to all residents in good standing. Current proposed language from LR is limiting in who can participate, however, LR is concerned about the mechanism for which this information would be shared across programs.
LRs brought forth an additional proposal to their newly submitted “Union Activities” article. This proposal contained a new section, outlining limits to staff representatives of the union and access of work sites. In addition, this proposal included language to allow for union bulletin boards at all UW medicine sites.
Lastly, Article 23 (Salary) was discussed at length, as LR brought forth two proposed changes from their most recent proposal, which included an increase to the Chief Resident Stipend, by $25/month, up to $175/month and increasing the Home Call Stipend, starting July 1, 2020 to $1900 per year. The proposed salary increases per year, remain the same from their first proposal.
Conversation and debate on these topics took the entirety of the session and UWHA’s proposals are postponed to the next session.
The next bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29th from 3:00-7:00pm at Roosevelt Commons West, Rm. 271. UWHA urges all members to attend.
Resident & fellow physician union - northwest/CIR/SEIU 