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Contract Negotiation Updates
American Federation of Teachers - UW Extension Lecturers

Background: The Washington State Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) certified the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Local 6486, to represent the English language extension lecturers in the International and English Language Programs (IELP) of UW Educational Outreach (UWEO) on March 25, 2011. This is the first time the IELP lecturers have bargained collectively.

UW Negotiations Team:

Peter Denis Assistant Vice President, Labor Relations (Lead Negotiator)
Andrew Berg Labor Relations Specialist, Labor Relations
Jennifer Buck Associate Director, UWEO HR
Chris Gilman Senior Director, IELP
A.J. Hartman Communications Specialist, Labor Relations
Shelley Kostrinsky Assistant Vice Provost, Academic Personnel
Shelley Middlebrooks Executive Director, HR Compensation
Anita Sokmen Associate Director, IELP
Anne Winkelman Assistant Director, Academic HR

Negotiations Recap for May 10, 2013

This recap details the 17th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Counter-Proposals

Grievance and Arbitration Procedures – UW maintained its proposal to prohibit the union from bringing a claim to additional legal forums after arbitrating it, but clarified that an extension lecturer's use of the grievance process would not preclude them from asserting a legally actionable claim.

University Closure – UW proposed language establishing that if the University closed due to a "force majeure" such as a natural disaster, the parties would jointly discuss the appropriate course of action with regard to making up class.

Corrective Action – UW proposed language that would allow for an employee to request removal of disciplinary materials from their department personnel file after five years. If removed, such materials would not be used in subsequent adverse action against the employee.

Personnel Files – UW proposed language to memorialize that materials will be subject to applicable retention schedules, and thus disciplinary materials removed from a personnel file may still be archived.

Benefits – UW proposed language memorializing that health care benefits for extension lecturers will be subject to the agreement reached at the State bargaining table.

Complete Agreement and Conformity to Law – UW proposed that all subjects not covered by the collective bargaining agreement be removed from the IELP Operations Manual, but that IELP may continue to publish the manual for use by staff and extension lecturers.

Academic Freedom – UW proposed language declaring its support for academic freedom, to the extent that it complies with legal precedent. In addition, UW proposed language establishing that course content and in-class conduct should be appropriate and respect the needs of international students.

Compensation

UW proposed a performance-based compensation structure, which included:

Wage Increases – IELP would allocate for 2 percent performance-based salary increases once per year during the contract. Such increases would be subject to contingencies, including other academic personnel and professional staff on campus receiving salary increases, and the extension lecturer having met performance-based standards.

The proposed language provides for extension lecturers who have not met the established standards to receive a lower wage increase of 0-1 percent , while allowing for the possibility of wage increases higher than 2 percent for lecturers with outstanding performance at the discretion of UWEO.

Initial Salary Determination – UW proposed that the salary for a new extension lecturer be based on the instructor's training and experience, and proposed establishing a minimum monthly salary of $3,500 for full-time and part-time regular extension lecturers.

Retention Salary Adjustments – UW proposed language to memorialize that salary adjustments may be made to address retention-related issues.

AFT Counter-Proposals

University Closure – AFT maintained its rejection of UW's proposal to require extension lecturers in programs with defined class-time requirements to make up classes missed due to University closure.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for May 17.

Negotiations Recap for April 26, 2013

This recap details the 16th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

AFT Counter-Proposals

AFT delivered several counter-proposals at the end of the last bargaining session, which it discussed in further detail at this meeting:

Union Rights – AFT proposed that UW send the union an employee roster on the date of the first final payroll calculation after the start of each quarter, and that employees may print a hard copy of the contract at UW’s expense.

Probationary Period – AFT proposed that lecturers be eligible to exit the probationary period after either two quarters at full-time or six courses, or the equivalent thereof – whichever is sooner. AFT proposed that the supervising director meet with lecturers in the probationary period quarterly to provide guidance and mentoring.

Grievance and Arbitration Procedures – AFT proposed that UW inform the union before a grievance meeting of management’s anticipated attendees. AFT declined UW’s language stipulating that a claim brought to arbitration could not subsequently be brought before additional judicial or administrative law forums.

Management Rights – AFT declined UW’s proposed language delineating the right of management to schedule hours of work, to recruit as well as lay off, and to make decisions involving course content and instruction. AFT proposed language memorializing UW’s obligation to bargain over mandatory subjects.

Separations – AFT proposed to allow for withdrawal of a resignation within 10 calendar days of its submission, as opposed to the UW’s proposed five calendar days.

Personnel Files – AFT agreed in concept with UW’s proposal to forward a copy of any adverse material placed in an extension lecturer’s personnel file to the employee, but proposed a requirement that management secure a signature of receipt from the employee for any such material.

Corrective Action – AFT proposed that if an employee is not informed of an investigation within 30 days of the date management learns of the incident in question, it would cease to be grounds for discipline.

AFT maintained its previous proposals on articles pertaining to University closure, performance evaluation, and agreement and conformity to law.

UW Counter-Proposals

Union Rights – UW tentatively agreed to AFT’s proposal to send the union an employee roster on the date of the first final payroll calculation after the start of each quarter. UW proposed language to memorialize that when AFT rents a room at the University, it is responsible for paying any applicable fees.

Probationary Period – UW tentatively agreed to AFT’s proposal that lecturers be eligible to exit the probationary period after the sooner of two quarters at full-time or six courses. UW proposed that management observe, guide, and mentor employees in the probationary period as often as is possible and appropriate.

University Closure – UW maintained its proposal to require extension lecturers in programs that have defined requirements for days or hours taught to make up classes missed due to University closure.

Personnel Files – UW declined AFT’s proposal to require management to secure a signature of receipt on materials forwarded to an extension lecturer, and proposed language to memorialize that personnel files will be subject to applicable records retention schedules.

Tentative Agreement

Article 1: Recognition – The parties tentatively agreed to language recognizing AFT as the exclusive bargaining representative for all full-time and regular part time IELP extension lecturers, excluding other employees such as supervisors and hourly and confidential employees.

Further Dialogue

Cost of AFT’s Economic Proposal

UW presented a cost estimate of AFT’s initial proposal on compensation, put forth at the bargaining session on February 8, 2013.

Based on the information available, UW approximated the costs associated with placing employees on a higher initial step and providing automatic step increases, cost of living adjustments, and merit increases, as well as paying employees for equivalent prior experience outside the UW.

UW estimated that AFT’s compensation proposal could cost IELP an additional $1.2 million for the first year of the contract alone, representing an increase to base wage of more than 39 percent.

UW Compensation

UW emphasized that its response to AFT’s compensation proposal will align with the University’s overall goal of providing realistic general wage increases as part of an institution-wide reemergence from the recession. UW explained that this will likely be in the form of 2 percent wage increases each year for the 2013-2015 biennium, contingent upon legislative approval and appropriation of funds.

UW explained that such increases would be determined by merit, while incorporating some recognition of seniority, and could potentially provide for increases of higher or lower than 2 percent depending on a lecturer’s performance.

Next Steps

The next UW-AFT bargaining session is scheduled for May 10.

Negotiations Recap for April 12, 2013

This recap details the 15th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Counter-Proposals

Leaves of Absence – UW proposed various language changes, including clarification that sick leave may only be taken in whole-day increments. UW declined AFT’s proposal to add a paid personal day off per quarter for extension lecturers.  

Job Descriptions/Workload – UW proposed limiting class size to 19 students, except when an extension lecturer and IELP management jointly agree to more. UW declined AFT’s proposal to require IELP management to seek union approval before setting the dates of new programs, and instead proposed to notify the union of the dates in advance.

Outsourcing – UW proposed language to memorialize that on matters of outsourcing or contracting out, the parties would follow applicable state law.

Tentative Agreement

Outsourcing – The parties tentatively agreed to omit any provision pertaining to outsourcing.

Further Dialogue

Status of Negotiations

AFT remarked over amount of time that it has taken to negotiate this initial contract.

UW acknowledged that both sides have progressed carefully and thoughtfully, due to the complexity of negotiating a new contract and the uniqueness of this bargaining unit.

Compensation

In response to AFT’s initial compensation proposal, put forth at the previous bargaining session, UW floated some potential compromises.

UW discussed paying extension lecturers for one additional pay period during summer quarter, which would equate to a 4 percent increase in overall pay for the year. IELP would ask in return that lecturers remain accessible by phone or email for one week following the end of each quarter, to allow for IELP management to follow up on any urgent matters such as grade issues or student inquiries.

UW also discussed raising base wages and addressing any compression issues, while gaining greater flexibility in setting starting salaries. UW explained how hiring all lecturers in at a standard rate hinders IELP’s competitiveness in the market, and how hiring lecturers in at a rate reflective of their past experience would greatly benefit IELP’s ability to recruit and retain.

AFT expressed interest in further discussing these potential compromises raised by UW.

Additional Items

AFT distributed several counter-proposals at the end of the bargaining session, to be discussed at the next meeting.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for April 26.

Negotiations Recap for February 8, 2013

This recap details the 14th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

AFT Proposals

Compensation

AFT put forth its initial proposal on compensation, which among other things would provide for salary increases based on seniority, while making lecturers eligible for merit-based increases as well.

AFT proposed a step-based salary schedule on which lecturers' salaries would advance annually, and proposed that all existing lecturers receive an immediate salary increase of at least $256 per month.

Salary Schedule Initial Placement – AFT proposed that new and existing extension lecturers be placed on the salary schedule based on their equivalent teaching experience. Those with between five and nine years of equivalent experience would receive an additional step, and those with over 10 years would receive two additional steps.

UW Proposals

Grievance and Arbitration Procedures – UW proposed that if a lecturer enters into an informal discussion on the resolution of an issue without the union's involvement, AFT would be made aware of the settlement and given the chance to weigh in.

Personnel Files – UW proposed that if adverse material that is placed in a lecturer's personnel file does not have the lecturer 's signature or initials, it will be simultaneously forwarded to them.

Corrective Action – UW proposed language memorializing that corrective action is meant to be a positive method for improvement rather than punitive action, and that it will only be administered for just cause.

Further Dialogue

Salary Schedule Placement

UW addressed AFT's proposed method for placing lecturers on the salary schedule, requesting clarification on how lecturers' equivalent teaching experience could be measured and verified objectively.

AFT suggested that the duration and extent of a lecturer's past teaching experience could be derived from what is listed on their rιsumι.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for February 22.

Negotiations Recap for January 25, 2013

This recap details the 13th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Counter-Proposals

Benefits – UW maintained its proposal to not include language detailing employee benefits in the contract. UW explained that because its employee benefits are negotiated at the state level, any language would simply reiterate the University's existing statutory obligations.

UW Policy Directory – UW withdrew its proposed language to memorialize the University's right to makes changes to its policy directory.

Further Dialogue

Probationary Period

To address AFT's concern over not limiting probationary periods to a standard amount of time, UW presented a graphic demonstrating how an employee could exit the probationary period after teaching their 12th course without being unduly delayed.

UW explained that its goal is to ensure that lecturers emerge from the probationary period prepared, acknowledging that while some people require less time, some need all 12 courses to fully demonstrate their abilities and readiness to exit probation.

UW described how relying on a standard timeline could create inconsistencies, as lecturers may teach a different number of courses within the same time period.

Priority for Teaching Hours

AFT requested clarity on the motivation behind UW's proposal to change the current seniority-based method of assigning IELP teaching contracts to a system that gives preference based on merit.

UW explained that the seniority-based system has driven talented instructors away from IELP, because newer employees are automatically placed at the bottom of a long list in terms of opportunity, regardless of their merits.

AFT expressed that ranking employees by merit would disadvantage employees at the bottom of the list by potentially decreasing their job stability.

UW pointed out that this is what employees at the bottom of the seniority list experience already, and noted that a merit-based system gives all employees a greater degree of control in ascending the list.

Next Steps

The next UW-AFT bargaining session is scheduled for February 8.

Negotiations Recap for January 11, 2013

This recap details the 12th bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Counter-Proposals

Probationary Period – UW proposed that employees in the probationary period be notified of their probationary status before the publication of the teaching schedule for the quarter following their “Probation Completion Meeting.”

UW accepted AFT’s proposal for “teaching in at least two different programs” to constitute one way for an extension lecturer to demonstrate their qualifications to exit the probationary period.

Separations – UW moved previously proposed language on “emergency layoff” to this article. UW also further defined it, clarifying that a financial emergency comprises a drop in IELP’s enrollment of 33 percent or more.

Reassigned Time, Lead Teacher, and Specialist Positions – UW upheld its proposed language, clarifying that time in reassignment positions is to be teaching-related. UW agreed to increase its previously proposed limit on reassignment time from one-third of a full-time load to one-half.

UW maintained its proposed examples of reassignment, and put forth language clarifying that reassigned positions can be revoked at the discretion of the IELP Senior Director.

AFT Counter-Proposals

Personnel Files – AFT upheld its proposal granting extension lecturers the right to see and initial all documents and materials before they are put in their personnel file.

Leaves of Absence – AFT proposed integrating language on bereavement leave from the IELP Operations Manual. AFT also maintained its proposal to grant extension lecturers one additional paid day off per quarter for autumn, winter, and spring quarters.

Job Descriptions/Workload – AFT rejected UW’s proposal to establish the use of UWEO-provided email accounts for work-related correspondence as a core job responsibility, and the UW’s proposed notion of “advanced-level contributions.”

AFT also proposed that extension lecturers no longer be required to prepare tests or conduct their own instructor/course evaluations.

Academic Freedom – AFT maintained its proposal to guarantee that no restrictions could be placed on the content taught by each extension lecturer or on the conduct of their class.

Next Steps

The next UW-AFT bargaining session is scheduled for January 25.

Negotiations Recap for November 30, 2012

This recap details the eleventh bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

AFT Counter-Proposals

Probationary Period – AFT proposed that decisions regarding the non-renewal of an appointment during the probationary period not be subject to grievance and arbitration.

AFT proposed that extension lecturers who return to IELP after an absence of more than two years, but who have previously completed their probationary period, be placed in a shortened probationary period of no more than three quarters.

Grievance & Arbitration Procedures – AFT declined UW's proposal to prevent the same grievance from being submitted more than once, and proposed that prior to a grievance meeting, IELP management notify the union of who will be in attendance.

AFT also proposed language stipulating that while an extension lecturer could enter into discussion of problem resolution without the union, AFT would still be notified and given the opportunity to be present at the settlement.

Reassigned Time Lead Assignment and Specialist Positions – AFT declined UW's proposed language stating that reassigned time is intended to be teaching-related.

AFT proposed language memorializing the role of Lead Teachers and Specialists, two existing fixed-term positions that extension lecturers may assume. Lead Teachers provide instructional support and contribute to curriculum development for one or more courses, while Specialist positions fill special needs within IELP.

Tentative Agreement

Article 5: Non-Discrimination – The parties tentatively agreed to language that affirms their mutual commitment to not discriminate against any employee based on specified demographics, which includes discrimination in the form of sexual harassment.

The language also highlights resources available to any employee in need of filing a discrimination complaint.

Further Dialogue

AFT voiced concern that UW's proposal to not count summer-only instruction toward completion of the probationary period could be exclusionary.

UW explained that occasionally incoming instructors intend to only work summer quarters at the IELP until they complete their probationary period, all the while holding a "primary" job elsewhere during the rest of the year. UW clarified that its proposal is intended to prevent this scenario from occurring.

Negotiations Recap for November 16, 2012

This recap details the tenth bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Presentation

UW put forth counter-proposals on various contract articles.

Key Points of UW's Counter-Proposals

Union Recognition – UW proposed language to specify which employees are not included in the bargaining unit.

Probationary Period – UW tentatively agreed to AFT's proposal to begin the probationary period when an extension lecturer is hired on at one-third of a full-time equivalent. UW proposed that courses taught as a summer-only instructor not count toward the probationary period.

UW maintained its previous proposal for the remainder of the article.

Contract Interpretation – UW upheld its proposal to allow the IELP Operations Manual to govern in cases where contract is vague or silent, pointing out that it details many policies and procedures that are often not covered in union contracts.

AFT Counter-Proposals

Seniority List – AFT maintained its originally proposed language surrounding the IELP Seniority List.

Benefits – AFT maintained its originally proposed language outlining the benefits available to extension lecturers.

Tentative Agreements

Article 26: Joint-Union Management Committee – A committee consisting of up to three representatives designated by the union and three designated by UW will convene quarterly to discuss labor issues. This committee may meet more or less frequently as mutually agreed by the parties.

Further Dialogue

Hiring List Proposal

AFT voiced concern over UW's proposal for IELP to utilize a merit-based "Hiring List" instead of the existing "Seniority List" as a means to assign teaching hours. AFT expressed that this could create instability by encouraging competition, and that it would be difficult to track.

UW explained that such a shift would more likely increase stability, as it would promote annual contracts for people who teach through the whole year. Also, by incorporating summer quarter into an annual contract, IELP could avoid the consistent shortage of instructors each summer.

Regarding tracking, UW explained that IELP already conducts annual merit assessments of all extension lecturers, and thus it would not create additional work.

Next Steps

The scheduling of the next UW/AFT bargaining session is currently being determined by the parties.

Negotiations Recap for November 9, 2012

This recap details the ninth bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

AFT Presentation

AFT put forth several counter-proposals, which included alternative language surrounding the sexual harassment policy, bargaining unit description, and contract duration, among others.

Key Points of AFT’s Counter-Proposal

Union Rights – AFT proposed that one extension lecturer receive 33 percent paid reassigned time each quarter to act as a union representative. AFT also proposed that in cases where a substitute is necessary because an extension lecturer plans to be absent due to union-related activities, the union would reimburse IELP for a substitute.

University Closure – AFT declined UW’s proposal to require extension lecturers in certain programs to make up classes missed due to University closure, specifically those programs which have defined requirements for days or hours taught.

Outsourcing – AFT declined UW’s language affirming its commitment to bargain the impacts of outsourcing should it ever occur, and maintained its original proposal to prohibit IELP from outsourcing any programs or courses.

Contract Interpretation – AFT declined UW’s proposal to allow the IELP Operations Manual to govern in cases where contract is vague or silent.

UW Policy Directory – AFT proposed language clarifying that if a change to the UW Policy Directory alters a mandatory subject of bargaining, the effects of this change must be bargained with the union.

Tentative Agreements

Article 3: Union Security – The parties tentatively agreed to language surrounding the payment of union dues and fees. Within 30 days of employment, extension lecturers must initiate payment to the union either in the form of dues for members, or a representation fee of equal value.

Article 23: Successor Agreement – The parties tentatively agreed to language outlining the process by which either party may initiate negotiations for a successor agreement.

Further Dialogue

Quarterly Roster

AFT asked why UW has proposed sending the union its extension lecturer roster after the third pay period of each quarter instead of after the second, as the union proposed.

UW explained that this accounts for changes that are common early in the quarter and gives time for the roster to settle, which typically yields the most accurate information. This is consistent with the UW’s contract with UAW, representing academic student employees at the University.

Probationary Period

AFT requested the rationale behind UW’s proposal to require extension lecturers to teach one quarter in the Campus Intensive English Program (IEP) in order to complete their probationary period.

UW explained that Campus IEP constitutes half of IELP’s activity. Given this, IELP is greatly disadvantaged if extension lecturers are not confident and competent teaching academic English in this setting.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for November 16.

Negotiations Recap for October 26, 2012

This recap details the eighth bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Presentation

UW presented counter-proposals addressing the remainder of AFT's outstanding contract proposals. This included articles on definitions, leaves of absence, and layoff and resignation, among others.

Key Points of UW's Counter-Proposal

Probationary Period – UW proposed renaming the "New Instructor Period" to the "Probationary Period," and that this period begin when an extension lecturer is hired on at two-thirds of a full-time equivalent. Also, courses taught as a TA or an hourly instructor would not count toward the probationary period.

Grievance and Arbitration Procedures – UW proposed that it not be required to contact the union every time informal coaching occurs. UW also proposed language consistent with other union contracts, whereby if a claim is brought to arbitration, it could not subsequently be brought before another judicial or administrative law forum.

Hiring List – UW proposed creating an IELP merit-based "Hiring List" to replace the existing "Seniority List" as a means to determine the order of how teaching hours are assigned. Extension lecturers would be ranked annually based on their merit; the ranking would subsequently determine priority order for lecturers to select their preferred appointments.

UW also proposed definitions for different extension lecturer appointment terms. Annual contracts would span 11.5 months (all four quarters, including summer), academic-year contracts would span the nine-month academic year, and quarterly contracts would continue to span one quarter at a time.

Performance Evaluation – UW proposed that the outcome of an extension lecturer's performance evaluation be used to determine their placement on the Hiring List. Ninety percent of an extension lecturer's merit ranking would be based on their teaching and teaching-related responsibilities, including course and extension lecturer evaluations and fulfillment of teaching-related responsibilities.

Corrective Action – UW proposed language upholding the preference for progressive discipline, while allowing for IELP management to determine the appropriate level at which discipline may begin in the case of more severe offenses.

Further Dialogue

Hiring List Proposal

AFT requested the rationale behind UW's proposal to create a merit-based Hiring List, as well as an 11.5-month annual contract term.

UW explained that currently it is extremely difficult for IELP to retain talented new instructors, because they are hired on at the bottom of a very long seniority list. In this way, they are typically subjected to lower pay regardless of their merits, and often leave to pursue work elsewhere.

Regarding annual contracts, UW pointed out that IELP is consistently confronted with the problem of not having enough extension lecturers during summer quarter, and that incorporating it into the annual contracts will provide necessary predictability throughout the year.

Investigatory Meetings

AFT questioned why the UW had stricken the union's proposal to allow for a union representative to attend an extension lecturer's investigatory meeting even when the employee decides against it.

UW expressed that the employee should be allowed to choose whether or not they want a union representative present at their own investigatory meeting, and that the parties should respect the employee's decision.

AFT countered that the union has a right to be present regardless of what the employee wants.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for November 9.

Negotiations Recap for October 12, 2012

This recap details the seventh bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

UW Presentation

UW presented a package counter-proposal, addressing the majority of AFT’s contract proposals.

Key Points of UW’s Counter-Proposal

Paid Reassigned Time – UW proposed providing 25 percent paid reassigned time for one union representative per academic quarter.

Job Responsibilities – UW proposed expanding AFT’s proposed list of extension lecturer core job responsibilities. This included adding the evaluation of student progress, the use of the UWEO-provided email account for work-related correspondence, and the provision of information for administrative reports.

UW also proposed a list delineating advanced-level contributions extension lecturers are encouraged to make, including mentoring new instructors, serving as lead instructors, and teaching across the curriculum and in different programs.

Daily Schedules – UW proposed scheduling classes each day such that no more than eight hours elapse between the beginning of the first class and the end of the last class taught by an extension lecturer. This would include the option of extending the hours and/or the number of courses taught per day upon mutual agreement between the extension lecturer and management.

Benefits – UW proposed omitting AFT’s proposed contract article pertaining to benefits, explaining that benefits are negotiated elsewhere and are beyond the scope of the parties’ collective bargaining.

Professional Development Funds – In response to AFT’s proposal for each extension lecturer to receive $1,000 per year for professional development purposes, UW proposed that extension lecturers adopt and have access to the same professional development program available to UWEO staff.

Contract Interpretation – UW proposed language clarifying that the IELP Operations Manual will govern any contract-related subject not covered in the collective bargaining agreement.

Duration – UW proposed language to memorialize that no provisions negotiated in this contract will be applied retroactively for time prior to the effective date.

Next Steps

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for October 26.

Negotiations Recap for May 21, 2012

This recap details the sixth bargaining session between the UW and AFT.

AFT Proposals

AFT provided a review of all of its proposals to date.

AFT expressed again that the majority of its overall contract proposal is simply a single collection of existing policies and procedures, both in the IELP operations manual and at the University as a whole.

AFT presented two new articles:

Article 9 – Seniority List: Lecturers would be put on the "Seniority List" once they have completed their new-hire probationary period. Lecturers would retain their "Seniority List" position during leaves of absence of up to two years.
Article 14 – Corrective Actions/Formal Discipline: This article sets a distinction between "corrective measures," described as supervisory counsel to an employee to avoid disciplinary action, and "formal discipline," which entails written reprimands, suspension, and dismissal.
Prior to taking any disciplinary action, the UW would be required to notify and consult AFT and the employee in question to hear reasons for why they believe discipline should not occur.

AFT also presented revisions to Articles 4 and 16:

Article 4 – Union Rights: New "Reassigned Time" provisions would guarantee union officers 33 percent paid non-teaching time, and provide time off for lecturers to attend union conferences.
Article 16 – Job Descriptions/Workload: IELP would cap its class sizes, and would promise to pay for lecturer benefits during summer quarter for lecturers who opted to not work during summer quarter.

Further Dialogue

UW requested clarification on AFT's use of the term "faculty" in the official name for the UW unit – "UW English Language Faculty."
AFT explained that the name aligns with AFT's national branding strategy for naming its local units. AFT acknowledged that despite using the word "faculty," IELP lecturers are not UW Faculty.
In anticipation of AFT's forthcoming compensation proposal, UW outlined its current financial situation.
UW explained that while economic constraints remain a challenge for the University in the immediate future, it is prepared to pursue creative solutions with AFT.

The date of the next UW/AFT bargaining session is currently being determined by both teams.

Negotiations Recap for May 14, 2012

This recap details the fifth bargaining session held between the UW and AFT.

AFT Proposals

AFT presented several contract proposals, and expressed that the majority mirrored existing policies in the IELP operations manual, with only minor changes. These provisions included:

Article 10 – Layoffs and Reductions in Force: Lecturers would be laid off according to seniority, and UW would discuss any alternatives with the union prior to taking action.
Article 11 – Reassigned Time and Specialist Positions: Lecturers on reassignment may be eligible for an administrative supplement.
Article 12 – Emergencies Due to Weather or Natural Disasters: Lecturers would not be required to make up classes cancelled by weather-related University closures.
Article 19 – Performance Evaluation: Senior lecturers would be evaluated by students and directors, and each year they would craft a performance evaluation report and meet with the IELP senior director to discuss it.

AFT's proposed Articles 16 and 18 were discussed at greater length:

Article 16 – Job Descriptions/Workload: UW would limit the amount of time between classes for lecturers each day to avoid large gaps between shifts, and would guarantee lecturers freedom over employing their own teaching methods.
Lecturers would also be permitted to teach as substitutes within IELP, at the hourly substitute pay rate.
Article 18 – Professional Development: UW would extend the tuition waivers that are currently given to lecturers for state-funded UW courses to include courses within UWEO.
UWEO would increase its annual funding to each lecturer for professional development expenses – from the current $640 to $1,000 – to cover extra costs such as membership in professional organizations and resource materials.

Finally, AFT put forth additional standard contract provisions:

Articles 20, 22, and 23 established both parties' recognition of the contract and their commitment to bargain successor contracts, and provided that UW would not outsource IELP programs or courses at the University.
In Article 24, AFT drafted a template for a contract duration provision, but stated that it was not concerned with the actual length of the agreement.

Further Dialogue

UW voiced concern for having not yet received AFT's entire proposal, emphasizing that it will soon be immersed in simultaneous bargaining with many different unions.

AFT replied that it would complete and submit its final contract proposals promptly.

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for May 21.

Negotiations Recap for May 7, 2012

This recap details the fourth bargaining session held between the UW and the AFT.

UWEO Financial Presentation

UWEO delivered a presentation outlining the financial structure of IELP, organized around questions asked previously by AFT. The presentation detailed the following key topics:

Budget Numbers
UWEO explained that information in the UW Financial Accounting System is organized by budget number.
This system maintains lists of revenues and expenses for each budget number, but does not capture the budget numbers on campus or within UWEO that receive money that is deducted from IELP revenues in the form of fees and overhead.
Revenue and Expenditure
UWEO demonstrated how to interpret an IELP Revenue and Expenditure statement, using IELP’s financials for fiscal year 2011 as an example.
The report showed that IELP brought in nearly $10.6 million in gross revenue, but after expenditures yielded $429,128 in net revenue.

Revenue Distribution

UWEO went on to summarize how and where IELP gross revenues are primarily distributed.

Salaries
Of IELP’s fiscal year 2011 gross revenue, approximately $4.2 million went to employee salaries. UWEO distinguished between what are referred to as “direct” and “indirect” salaries.
“Direct” salaries include lecturers and other positions that work only within the IELP program and are paid exclusively by IELP. “Indirect” salaries cover operational support positions such as IT, Human Resources, and administrative positions, which serve IELP as well as other UWEO units.
UW Central Campus Overhead
UWEO units such as IELP are charged relatively low overhead rates by the UW:
  • 13.28 percent of revenue for on-campus, non-degree programs;
  • 5.5 percent of revenue for off-campus, non-degree programs.
UWEO Overhead
IELP also pays an overhead charge to UWEO, labeled “Infrastructure” on financial statements. IELP Infrastructure is largely comprised of “indirect” salaries, among other expenses such as the cost of renting building space.
The total IELP Infrastructure amount is calculated using a time-based analysis, so that the IELP pays for the portion of effort that directly supports IELP.
Campus Partners
UWEO programs are true UW programs, and therefore UWEO maintains a longstanding strategy of working collaboratively with campus departments at the UW.
UWEO identified three IELP programs in which net revenues were returned to campus partners in 2011.
Load Rates
The payroll benefit load rate for IELP lecturers is 25.8 percent, meaning that for every dollar paid to lecturers, the UW pays an additional 25.8 cents toward benefits.
UWEO Risk Opportunity Fund
Six percent of gross IELP revenue goes toward maintaining an emergency backup fund, valued at $2.9 million for fiscal year 2011, to help protect IELP against unforeseen circumstances that could negatively impact program or staff funding.
UWEO noted that a loan from this fund can also provide for innovative ventures, if a sound opportunity to enhance IELP’s offerings and programming is identified.

Further Dialogue

AFT asked if the IELP Risk Opportunity Fund is used to pay for expenses beyond those incurred solely by IELP.
UWEO replied that it is a fund dedicated specifically to IELP. UWEO pointed out that historically risk opportunity money from UWEO had been used to help IELP when it was in need, which was an impetus for creating an IELP-specific fund.

AFT requested clarification on the fluctuation in net IELP revenue between fiscal year 2009, where IELP experienced a net loss of $24,096, and fiscal year 2011, where IELP produced a net gain of $429,128.
UWEO explained that as a portion of the whole, this amount of variation is not irregular. Even the $429,128 in net revenue for fiscal year 2011 represents only a four percent margin over IELP’s break-even point.

This means that all net revenue totals for the past five years stayed within projected ranges, with four out of five being positive.

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for May 14.

Negotiations Recap for April 23, 2012

This recap details the third bargaining session held between the UW and the AFT.

UW Introduction

UW began by establishing that one of its guiding principles is to ensure that the University emerges from the recession in a way that benefits all employees.

UW noted that no academic personnel have received merit wage increases in four years, and that many of the UW's nearly 20,000 union-represented employees are interlinked by "me-too" agreements, whereby a pay raise for one union triggers an equivalent raise for another.

AFT Proposals

AFT presented three new contract article proposals:

Article 6 – Probationary Periods:
AFT proposed a variable-duration probationary period for new extension lecturers.
Advancement from this probation would hinge upon student evaluations, supervisor observations, input from both supervising directors and peers, and a self-report from the new lecturer.
Article 15 – Leaves of Absence:
AFT proposed various provisions related to paid and unpaid leave.
This includes allowing absences during registration week for certain lecturers, establishing one additional paid holiday per quarter for each lecturer's personal use, and expanding the maximum leave without pay to two years.
Article 17 – Benefits:
AFT proposed numerous provisions outlining participation in existing insurance and investment plans.

Further Dialogue

AFT requested that UW clarify the nature of what IELP financial documents are available and can be requested.
UW agreed to find this out and let AFT know promptly.
AFT asked if the UW had contract proposals to offer yet.
UW reiterated that it will put forth its response once the AFT has finished its overall proposal, explaining that it is difficult to bargain over individual, yet interrelated articles when several other AFT provisions remain unknown.

Both parties agreed to delay the next meeting, allowing AFT more time to complete its proposal.

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for May 7.

Negotiations Recap for April 9, 2012

This recap details the second bargaining session held between the UW and the AFT.

Follow Up from Previous Meeting

UW began by explaining that it had reviewed AFT's initial proposals thoroughly, and looks forward to seeing a more comprehensive version of the proposed contract before responding to specific provisions.

AFT requested detailed financial information regarding the distribution of IELP revenues. In response, the UW renewed its offer to arrange a meeting between AFT and Assistant Vice Provost Clark Westmoreland to provide insight into the financial structure of IELP and UW Educational Outreach as a whole.

New Proposals

AFT presented three articles standard to collective bargaining agreements, outlining union rights, employee rights, and personnel files.

Two sections within the proposed personnel files article were discussed in detail.
Section 2 – Placement of Material: AFT proposed a requirement that UW alert and seek approval from extension lecturers before placing any materials in their personnel files.
UW stated its support for employees having access to their own personnel files. UW voiced concern over possibly increasing the administrative burden surrounding personnel files.
Section 3 – Omission of Grievances: AFT proposed that any reference to grievances be withheld from extension lecturers' personnel files.
UW pointed out that grievances themselves are not kept in employee personnel files. However, to maintain consistency, context, and a legitimate audit trail, it cannot omit or remove any mention of a significant event that may have been related to a grievance.

Further Dialogue

AFT questioned why IELP classrooms are not assigned to a consistent and uniform location.
UW explained that this reflects the supply and demand reality of IELP's business. Such self-supporting units must regularly adjust operations to fit the extent and the nature of the demand for their programming.

AFT committed to sending more proposed contract materials prior to the next scheduled session.

The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for April 23.

Negotiations Recap for March 19, 2012

The first bargaining session between the University of Washington and the AFT focused on laying the groundwork for the future negotiation sessions and providing AFT an overview of the IELP academic and business models.

UW Presentation

The session began with UW explaining the history and structures of UW Educational Outreach and the International and English Language Programs unit.

What is UW Educational Outreach?
UW Educational Outreach is a professional and continuing education unit that is committed to expanding access for nontraditional students to all that the UW has to offer. It is designed as a gateway to the UW for people seeking undergraduate degrees, professionally oriented master's degrees, and certificate programs. UW Educational Outreach programs are largely not state-funded, but rather are fee-based and self-sustaining.
What are the International and English Language Programs (IELP)?
IELP is a unit within UW Educational Outreach that focuses on international students. IELP includes English as a second language programs for international students and bundles language studies with relevant professional training. Courses within IELP are not taught by UW faculty, but instead by contract-based extension lecturers.

Clarifications

The AFT sought clarification on the financial, contractual, and compensatory structure of the IELP.
The UW shared that the IELP, as a self-sustaining unit, receives almost no state money with the exception of English 105 for international TAs. IELP's programs and operations are funded by its own revenues. The supply-and-demand nature of IELP's business requires a contract-based model, allowing its services to mirror the greater demand. Extension lecturers have worked on a contractual basis for IELP since the program's inception.
Despite the economic recession, IELP has seen continued success both financially and in terms of enrollment with many extension lecturers enjoying over a decade of steady, contract-based employment with IELP. Assistant Vice Provost Clark Westmoreland has offered to meet with AFT to review the UWEO's financials in more detail.
Contract appointments that govern IELP lecturers typically span either a single academic quarter, 9 months (the 3-quarter academic year, excluding Summer Quarter), or a 'Mixed Annual' (combining elements of both). Contracts specify a monthly pay rate for the duration of the term. A Mixed Annual appointment covers two distinct periods, the academic year and Summer Quarter, and contains specific provisions for each.
Additional information was shared related to compensation, including:
  • Self-sustaining programs are subject to the state's current salary restrictions;
  • IELP lecturers benefit from UW state-level advocacy;
  • Extension lecturers at IELP do not receive incremental annual salary increases due to the nature and structure of their work; and
  • Periodically, extension lecturers can take on additional teaching appointments in departments throughout the UW campus, for which they may be eligible to receive salary supplements.

The AFT voiced confusion regarding the consistency and methodology of compensation, citing that IELP extension lecturers receive lower pay during Summer Quarter.
The UW negotiations team is currently looking into this matter, and will provide an explanation at an upcoming negotiations session.
The AFT requested clarity on the major stakeholders within the UW administration that IELP lecturers can expect to work with, now that they will work through a union as an exclusive bargaining representative.
The IELP lecturers, through AFT, will now work much more closely with UW Labor Relations.
The AFT provided initial contract proposals that the UW is now reviewing.
The next UW/AFT bargaining session is scheduled for April 9.