University of Washington, Decision 13519 (PECB, 2022)

STATE OF WASHINGTON

BEFORE THE PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Jacob Metzger and Amy Bowles, Attorneys at Law, Douglas Drachler McKee & Gilbrough LLP, for UAW Local 4121.

Jennifer K. Schubert, Assistant Attorney General, Attorney General Robert W. Ferguson, for the University of Washington.

Findings of Fact

1.                  UW Researchers United/International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America Local Union 4121 filed a representation petition concerning employees of the University of Washington. The Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) determined the petition was timely filed and accompanied by a sufficient showing of interest. No other organization claimed to represent the employees involved.

2.                  The bargaining unit is described as follows:

All full-time and regular part-time employees of the University of Washington in the following job classes: Research Scientist/Engineer – Assistant; Research Scientist/Engineer – 1; Research Scientist/Engineer – 2; Research Scientist/Engineer – 3; Research Scientist/Engineer – 4; excluding confidential employees, supervisors, managers as defined by RCW 41.56.021(1)(b), employees covered by chapter 41.80 RCW, employees covered by chapter 41.76 RCW, and all other employees.

3.                  PERC conducted an investigation conference where the parties disagreed about the eligibility of certain employees to be included in the bargaining unit. PERC determined that the eligibility issues would be resolved following the election.

4.                  PERC conducted election proceedings. The employees were given a free choice in the proceedings. The tally of results was provided to the parties and the eligibility issues do not affect the outcome of the election. No meritorious election objections were filed.

Conclusions of Law

1.                  The unit described in finding of fact 2 is an appropriate unit within the meaning of RCW 41.56.060.

2.                  Representation proceedings were conducted in accordance with RCW 41.56.070 and chapter 391‑25 WAC.

certification

1.                  University of Washington employees in the bargaining unit described in finding of fact 2 have chosen

UW RESEARCHERS UNITED/ INTERNATIONAL UNION, UNITED AUTOMOBILE, AEROSPACE AND AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT WORKERS OF AMERICA, LOCAL UNION 4121

as their representative for the purpose of collective bargaining with their employer.

2.                  This case is remanded for further proceedings on the eligibility issues described in finding of fact 3.

ISSUED at Olympia, Washington, this  16th  day of June, 2022.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

Michael P. Sellars, Executive Director