May 8, 2026
Higher Ed Contract Negotiations

We spent much of the session discussing our Targeted Increase list.  Members have indicated they believe certain job classes where an increase is warranted and provided supporting justification. Classes that received an increase previously does not mean we won’t evaluate it again during this bargaining cycle.
 
Early next week, the plan is to expand the document to include associated classifications within each series (PS2, PS3, PS4, etc.), recommended increases based on salary surveys and current market data, and additional classifications that may need review due to compression concerns. 


In the meantime, please continue reaching out to your members to identify any additional classifications we should review. Specifically, we should focus on issues involving recruitment, retention, and significant changes in duties.

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May 5, 2026
Higher Ed Contract Negotiations
Day 1 Summary Report
 
Opening Session
Inti stated they expect to receive all proposals soon.
Steve proposed focusing on non-compensation items during this session, with compensation discussions deferred to the next meeting.
 
Article 4 – Appointment Notifications
4.1 Proposal

• Union to be copied on appointment letters/emails for:
  • New hires
  • Promotions
  • Transfers
  • Demotions

Purpose: Maintain an efficient, transparent, and streamlined process
 
Article 7 – Working Conditions
7.3D – Timeline Extension

• Extend timeline from 14 days to 30 days
• Rationale: Current timeframe is insufficient given workload demands

 
7.9B – Flex Time

• Provide up to 2 hours of flex time
• Scheduling coordinated with supervisors

Goal: Improve flexibility and working conditions, especially for overtime-exempt employees
 
7.10 – Off-the-Clock Work

• Concern: Employees working 5–10 minutes unpaid beyond scheduled hours
• Position: All overtime work should be fairly compensated

7.11 – Closure Period Work

• During closures, provide:
  • Work assignments or training
• Avoid requiring employees to use leave unnecessarily

 
7.12 – Calendar Development

• Include staff in calendar planning discussions
• Promote collaboration and minimize unintended impacts

 
7.13 – Professional Development Days

• Expand training opportunities for classified staff
• Consider dedicated training days

Goal: Ensure equitable access to professional development
 
7.14 – Summer Schedule (32-Hour Work Week)

• Proposal: 32-hour work week (paid for 40 hours)

Rationale:

• Improve work-life balance
• Increase productivity
• Reduce commuting burden

Discussion Highlights:

• Focus on work completion vs. hours worked
• Concerns about fatigue with compressed schedules
• Staggered scheduling options discussed
• Commuting costs and traffic significantly impact employees

 
Break
9:54 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
 
Post-Caucus Session
Return from Caucus

• Jorge de la Torre (Bellevue College) joined
• Identified need to revise:
  • Leave accrual language
  • Alignment with 32-hour workweek

Action: Steve to draft updated language
 
Article 8 – Overtime
8.2 – Overtime Calculation

• Shift from:
  • 40 hours/week → 8 hours/day (based on schedule)
• Overtime requires prior approval

Note: Federal proposal regarding reduced taxation on overtime was mentioned
 
Article 9 – Training & Development
9.7B – Orientation Time

• Increase from 30 minutes to 45 minutes
• Provides adequate time without being excessive

 
9.81 – Professional Development Committee

• Collaborate with HR to:
  • Identify training opportunities
  • Make recommendations

Key Principle: Training occurs during paid work time
 
9.83 – Budget

• Proposed allocation: $5,000

 
Article 17 – Suspended Operations
Context

• Increased closures due to power outages and weather

 
17.1 – Notification

• Notify employees no later than 8:30 a.m. when predictable

 
17.1 – First-Day Language

• Proposal to remove existing paragraph due to confusion
• Issues include:
  • Conflicting pay/leave guidance
  • Transportation barriers

 
17.1D – Overtime

• Paid overtime rate for actual hours worked

 
17.1F – Remote & On-Site Work

• Address remote work during closures
• On-site work during closure:
  • 2.5× regular pay
• Otherwise: declare full suspended operations

 
Lunch Break
11:48 a.m.
 
Afternoon Session (1:07 p.m.)
Follow-Up

• Clarification needed:
  • Work outside normal hours = flex time or overtime/on call?

 
Article 20 – Telework & Commute Trip Reduction
20.51 / 20.52

• Provide two academic quarters’ notice for telework changes

 
Telework Proposals

• Technology stipends
• Schedule accommodations (pre-approved)
• Eligibility after 6 months
• Standardized agreements for equity

Goal: Improve access and work-life balance
Status: Inti requested further discussion
 
Article 21 – Health & Safety

• Proposal: Discovery Pass reimbursement

 
Article 28 – Disciplinary Procedures
Investigations

• Provide information 7 days in advance

Additional Considerations

• Clarify timing relative to paid administrative leave
• Ensure union notification and clear meeting purpose

 
Article 39 – Union Activities
39.5 – Communication Tools

• Use of:
  • Internal websites
  • Campus reader boards

Rationale: Replace declining effectiveness of bulletin boards
 
 
Afternoon Caucus
2:00 – 2:25 p.m.
 
Article 50 – Mandatory Subjects
Issue

• Inconsistent or delayed notification to the union

Proposal

• Joint training for:
  • Managers
  • Union stewards

Goal: Improve understanding of mandatory bargaining subjects
Note: Inquiry into PERC training availability
 
Closing

• Mutual appreciation expressed by both teams
• Session adjourned at approximately 4:00 p.m.

 
Overall Summary
Day 1 was productive and collaborative, with strong engagement from both sides.
Multiple proposals were introduced, and several items were identified for follow-up and continued discussion in the next session.