WSU and UAW-PDE Negotiate for Initial Contract for Postdocs
Contract negotiations are ongoing.
This page provides information about WSU Contract negotiations with the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) who represent the Postdoctoral Employee (PDE) group at WSU. WSU continues to negotiate in good faith with the UAW and is committed to working collaboratively with the UAW to find solutions to outstanding issues. Please contact Labor relations at hrs.labor@wsu.edu.
PDE at WSU selected the UAW as their union representative. Postdoctoral Employees at WSU are eligible for representation and bargaining under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 41.56.
Bargaining Updates
Article Status (As of March 30, 2026)
- Accommodations
- Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
- Appointments and Reappointments
- Childcare
- Compensation
- Discipline
- Dues Deductions
- Grievance and Arbitration
- Healthcare Benefits Amounts
- Health and Safety
- Holidays
- Immigration
- Intellectual Property
- Job Postings
- Layoffs
- Management Rights
- No Strike No Lockout
- Parking and Transit
- Personnel Files
- Professional Development and Career Counseling
- Recognition
- Respectful Work Environment
- Retirement
- Scope and Interpretation
- Time and Effort
- Time off Leave
- Training
- Travel
- Union Management Committee
- Union Rights
- VCAP
- Workspace and Materials
Overview Q&A
Representatives from the university and the union (“bargaining teams”) meet to negotiate the terms of an agreement. During these negotiations, both sides discuss Contract-related issues and present proposals and counter proposals. State law requires that both sides engage in good-faith negotiations to try to resolve any differences and work to reach an agreement in a timely manner.
Although it is unknown what will become part of the Contract, the University and the Union are required to negotiate mandatory subjects, which include wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.
There is no way to predict this. Some Contracts have been negotiated in a matter of weeks while others have taken several months to complete. In some cases, negotiations have taken more than a year. For more specifics on the collective bargaining process, please visit the Labor Relations Collective Bargaining Frequently Asked Questions page.
While represented employees’ wages are typically determined by the Contract they are covered under, there is no way of knowing what may be negotiated between the University and the Union. Funding for any agreed upon compensation will be funded in the same manner the employees are currently funded.
Once the parties reach tentative agreement, the Contract will be posted on the WSU/UAW-Postdocs website. HRS will work with Colleges, departments, and other central offices to create and provide materials, guidance and trainings for members of the University. Labor Relations will partner with managers and supervisors in understanding and administering the terms of the new Contract.
WSU Negotiations Team
| Name | Title | Role / Area |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Reynolds | Labor and Employment Attorney | WSU Chief Negotiator |
| Jennifer Klein | Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer | WSU Chief Negotiator |
| Haluk Beyenal | Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies & Professor | Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture |
| Christy McCloy | Faculty Support Specialist/Data Analyst | Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture Alternate |
| Kelly Brayton | Professor Chair | College of Veterinary Medicine |
| Doug Call | Senior Vice Provost | Provost and Executive Vice President |
| Pat Carter | Interim Associate Dean | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Catherine Cooper | Associate Dean | College of Arts and Sciences Alternate |
| Scot Hulbert | Acting Dean | CAHNRS |
| Christina Read | Labor Relations Consultant | Human Resource Services |
| Nicholas Gray | Labor Relations Assistant | Human Resource Services |
