UW reaches deal with postdocs and researchers, ending strike

The University of Washington, and the union representing thousands of its postdocs and researchers, agreed on a tentative contract Thursday. The deal brings UAW 4121’s strike to a close.

The six-day strike was the second-longest in UW’s history, according to the organizers.

“I think everyone out here is doing the work that they are doing because they care about their research, and they want to make the world a better place,” said research scientist Katie Osterhage on the picket line last week. “Also, while we're doing it, we'd like to be able to make a living wage.”

Under the tentative deal, minimum wages for postdocs will have increased 28% by January 1 and will be re-negotiated within a year. Postdocs also secured an increased child care fund and other benefits they were seeking.

Researchers will see a 33% increase to minimum salaries over the life of the contract.

“We are pleased to have reached agreements with the postdocs and the research scientists and engineers,” said UW spokesperson Victor Balta in an email to KUOW. “Details on the agreements will be available once the contracts are ratified.”

The union will begin voting on the proposed contract on Friday.