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 September 9, 2025)

WSU/UAW-Postdocs Resources

WSU/UAW-Postdocs Main Page

Open Articles

  • Appointments
  • Childcare
  • Compensation
  • Healthcare Benefits Amounts
  • Layoffs
  • Management Rights
  • No Strike No Lockout
  • Parking and Transit
  • Professional Development and Career Counseling
  • Time off Leave
  • Title IX

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Tentative Agreements

  • Accommodations
  • Anti-Discrimination and Harassment
  • Discipline
  • Dues Deductions
  • Grievance and Arbitration
  • Health and Safety 
  • Holidays
  • Immigration
  • Intellectual Property
  • Job Postings
  • Personnel Files
  • Recognition
  • Respectful Work Environment
  • Retirement
  • Scope and Interpretation
  • Time and Effort
  • Training 
  • Travel 
  • Union Management Committee
  • Union Rights
  • VCAP
  • Workspace and Materials

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Overview Q&A

How are Contracts negotiated?

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.

How will the UAW Contract impact the newly covered employees?

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.

How long does bargaining take/how long until a contract/an impact?

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.

How will this impact their wages/my budget/funding?

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.

How will I know how to manage the new Contract?

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.

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WSU Negotiations Team

Tim ReynoldsLabor and Employment AttorneyWSU Chief Negotiator
Jennifer KleinVice President and Chief Human Resource OfficerWSU Chief Negotiator
Haluk BeyenalAssociate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies & ProfessorVoiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Christy McCloyFaculty Support Specialist/Data AnalystVoiland College of Engineering and Architecture Alternate
Kelly BraytonProfessor ChairCollege of Veterinary Medicine
Doug CallSenior Vice ProvostProvost and Executive Vice President
Pat CarterInterim Associate DeanCollege of Arts and Sciences
Catherine CooperAssociate DeanCollege of Arts and Sciences Alternate
Scot HulbertActing DeanCAHNRS
Christina ReadLabor Relations Consultant Human Resource Services
Nicholas GrayLabor Relations AssistantHuman Resource Services

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