UW – AFT Negotiations Recap for January 22 and January 29, 2026
Background
This recap details the first and second in person bargaining sessions for renewal of the collective bargaining agreement between the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the University of Washington (UW). Recaps are published online on the UW Labor Relations website.
During these initial bargaining sessions, the Parties introduced themselves, discussed ground rules, and the Union presented their priorities for this contract, which included the following:
- Compensation
- Layoffs
AFT Initial Proposals
The Union proposed to maintain current contract language for the following articles:
- Preamble
- Article 1: Recognition
- Article 5: Non-discrimination
- Article 6: Probationary period
- Article 12: University suspended operations
- Article 13: Personnel files
- Article 14: Corrective action/formal discipline
- Article 15: Leaves of absence
- Article 17: Benefits
- Article 19: Performance appraisal
- Article 20: Labor management committee
- Article 22: Complete agreement and conformity to law
- Article 23: Successor agreement
- Article 25: Academic freedom
- MOU A: Retention increase (Maintain as a historical document)
- MOU B: Work assignment roster
- Side letter – U-Pass
Article 3 – Union Security
The Union proposed clarifying language that states that the Employer would provide a dues deduction report for each pay period, that includes employee names, EIDs, and the amount of dues transmitted to the Union.
Article 4 – Union Rights
The Union proposed adding new language to the section addressing quarterly rosters of teachers that would be teaching during that quarter. Additionally, the Union proposed adding new language that the rosters would include anticipated quarterly wages. Lastly, the union introduced new language that a report be sent to the union at the end of each quarter that would include an updated list reflecting any changes, and any additional compensation paid, including any wages from hourly assignments.
Article 7 – Grievance and Arbitration Procedures
The Union proposed changes to current contract language for the grievance filing process, striking current contract language that requires grievances to be filed in writing, via email, with same-day mailing/hand delivery of the original documents including all attachments, and replacing it with new language that grievances may be filed electronically, by mail, or by hand delivery.
Next Steps
The next UW & AFT bargaining session is scheduled for February 17, 2026, and will be held in person.