UAW 4121 Research Staff Initial Bargaining Demands (2026)

  • Research Staff Initial Bargaining Demands

    We, Research Staff unit of Research Scientists, Engineers, Coordinators, and Consultants at the University of Washington, present the following demands to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. These demands are based on bargaining surveys completed by hundreds of Research Staff. Our demands for our collective bargaining agreement include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Support successful career paths for Research Staff

    • Strengthen job security and protections to support research continuity and promote retention through bridge funding, layoff transparency, and expanded employment access
    • Provide transparent paths to promotion and reclassification between all unit positions
    • Establish clear and enforceable timelines for position and salary reviews
    • Expand access to professional development opportunities
    • Ensure pay and benefits continue to reflect the value of Research Staff’s work

    Maintain pay structures that keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living

    • Provide benefits that, at a minimum, reflect Washington state standards
    • Streamline compensation adjustments when workload, job duties, or responsibilities change
    • Establish clear and enforceable timelines to reimburse work-related expenses and minimize the use of personal funds

    Invest in a more inclusive, accessible, equitable, & diverse Research Staff Community. 

    • Create a safe and respectful work environment through investments in equity and antiracism efforts and protections against discrimination, sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation
    • Ensure safe and timely processing of accommodations for workers with disabilities.
    • Expand access to all university facilities and programs, including subsidized childcare, car and bike parking, and tuition.
    • Support international workers' visa sponsorship by expedited processing, full coverage of immigration-related costs, and pay during required leave

    Foster a safe, fair, and productive work environment

    • Enforceable just cause protections against unfair discipline, retaliation, and dismissal through a fair grievance procedure
    • Guarantee fair and transparent health and safety protections, protocols, and necessary workspace and materials, regardless of work location
    • Improve transparency around remote and flexible work policy for Research Staff

  • Sign on to build our power and show management we support these initial bargaining demands!

  • Want to help build power to win these demands in our next contract?

    Signing these demands is the first step! Winning a strong contract takes all of us working together to build power with our colleagues.
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