December 17th Bargaining Session

UWHA and UW Labor Relations (LR) met for the eighteenth bargaining session on December 17th. Articles 1, 2, and 25 were discussed. 

LR updated their proposal on Article 1 (Childcare) to further reflect the language from UWHA’s counter proposal. LR maintains no increase to the fund. 

Article 2 (Committee Membership & Hospital Committees), UWHA updated language to reflect LR’s language regarding the updates to the GMEC Policy Subcommittee. The two proposals differ in the number of representative seats from UWHA and general residents who are allotted for this committee. UWHA has requested that alternatives are designated for the UWHA positions due to the unpredictable schedules of residents/fellows. Additionally, LR proposes to limit the number of seats available to UWHA. 

UWHA made two major updates to the counterproposal for Article 25 (Transportation). The new proposal contains a simplification to the bicycle fund, that would create a two-tiered stipend, allowing residents who bike commute either <80%, or >80% to request their stipend in advance, reducing the administrative burden on a quarterly basis, in addition to increasing the fund to account for the stipend being taxed. The other point of contention was around the Safe Ride Home program. LR has proposed to transition the approval process to UWHA and cap the fund at $500 (currently there is no cap on funds; however, the program is highly restrictive). UWHA is open to handing the approval process, but proposed a cap of $10,000. Resident/ Fellow safety is of utmost concern, and UWHA is concerned about how quickly the $500 would be used by residents, limiting the safe ride home program for the remainder of the year. 

Additionally, GME gave an update on laundering services. GME has been meeting with departments and the laundry vendor to identify issue areas. Changes are being made to improve the system and reduce turnaround time for laundering services.

Article 10 (Leave – Bereavement) was tentatively agreed and signed.

The next bargaining session is scheduled for Monday, December 30th from 3:00-7:00pm at Roosevelt Commons West, Rm. 271. UWHA welcomes all members to attend.