UAW Research – UW Negotiations Recap for April 8, 2026
This recap details the fourth session for the renewal of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the University of Washington and UAW Research.
Tentative Agreements
Article 12: Health Care Benefits Amounts
The parties agreed to update language to align with the coalition health care benefits agreement reached for the 2025-27 biennium.
Union Initial Proposals
Article 37: Travel
The Union proposed to include a reference to the Washington State Administrative and Accounting Manual for which reimbursements to employees must be in accordance with. The Union proposed to create a new section around direct payments that would require the University to provide direct departmental payment of expenses for approved business-related travel. Under this proposal, the University would be required to allow lodging expenses to be directly paid by Central Travel Accounts for one (1) or more staff, subject to the same guidelines as student lodging.
The Union also proposed a new section related to high-cost exceptions related to travel. For situations where employees can’t identify appropriate lodging that meets rate limits or is otherwise denied by UW Travel Services, the Union proposed to require the University to identify and book FEMA-approved (within continental U.S.) or FedRooms-approved (outside continental U.S.) lodging for staff conducting official business. Under this proposal, the University would be required to request an ongoing exception to post rates from the WA Office of Financial Management in cases where the University also can’t identify appropriate lodging that meets rate limits or other exceptions.
Finally, the Union proposed a new section related to urgent travel. For situations where employees are required to travel on an urgent timeline where standard travel approval processes cannot be reasonable completed in advance, the Union proposed to authorize employees to secure the lowest reasonable available lodging and necessary travel accommodations and that all such expenses shall be fully reimbursed.
Article 43: Workspace and Materials
The Union proposed removing the requirement that reimbursements for purchasing materials and services required for employee positions be approved prior to the purchase. The Union also proposed new language that would require reimbursements to be processed within thirty (30) days of submission by the employee.
Next Steps
The next UAW Research and UW bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 21, and will be held in-person at the UDSB Gateway building.