Bargaining Update for Western Washington University

At Western Washington University, the WWU Bargaining Team there re-opened negotiations on their previously-ratified 2012-2013 contract to discuss compensation. The revised agreement for more than 400 Federation members at Western Washington University takes out the reference to a 3 percent pay cut. There’s still a 3 percent budget cut – but the agreement commits the union and university to work together to jointly address the 3 percent personnel costs reduction mandated by the Legislature. Here's the revised language in Article 43.1(A):

"For fiscal years 2012 and 2013, appropriations have been reduced in an amount equal to a three (3) percent salary reduction for all represented employees whose monthly full-time equivalent salary is $2,500 or more per month. These reductions will be implemented and achieved according to the terms and conditions of this agreement."

The agreement came Aug. 23. A mail-in re-ratification vote is being scheduled; if it’s ratified, it will be submitted to the governor’s budget office by Oct. 1. If the Office of Financial Management approves, it will go before the 2012 Legislature. As you recall, this is a one-year agreement, from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2013. Until then, the university and union are operating under the terms and conditions of the 2009-2011 contract.