It’s time for Research Coordinators and Consultants (CoCos) to vote on the tentative agreement to ratify our 2025 – 2026 contract! The wins in this tentative agreement are a direct outcome of our collective power demonstrated through our organizing and commitment to fight for what we deserve.
Highlights of this tentative agreement (TA) include:
- 15% increase to minimum pay for lower pay grades (currently Research Coordinators/Consultants 6, 7, 8)
- 10% increase to minimum pay for higher pay grades (currently Research Coordinators/Consultants 9, 10, 11)
- Across the board increases for everyone on Nov 1, 2025 (3.5%) and April 1, 2026 (1%)
- More transparent and enforceable career development provisions
- The right to annual performance reviews
- Stronger protections against arbitrary layoffs
- Extended layoff notice from 30 to 45 days
- Ability to be added to rehire list following layoff
- Contract becomes effective upon ratification (July) and expires June 2026
With these gains, the RCoCo Bargaining Committee is recommending a YES vote to ratify this contract. You can read a summary of each article in the TA or a pdf of the full TA.
The final decision on ratifying the contract lies with Research Coordinators and Consultants. Please read on for details/considerations regarding the ratification process and how you can vote.
Cast Your Ballot Here: https://form.jotform.com/251956715161157
What does this ratification vote mean? In short, this vote enables CoCos to democratically make a collective final decision on the tentatively agreed upon contract. A simple majority of those voting determines the outcome of the vote. For the vote to be representative and powerful, it’s critical for a supermajority of CoCos to participate. In addition, a strong turnout on the ratification vote is directly linked to our collective power to enforce the contract & have a powerful foundation for winning an even stronger contract next time.
What would it mean to vote to ratify this offer? If a majority of those voting accept the tentative agreement, the new contract would take effect upon the conclusion of the ratification vote. Wage increases would go into effect on November 1. A strong yes vote will show that a supermajority of CoCos are invested and engaged in ratifying this contract now and enforcing it through 2026.
What would it mean to vote to reject this offer? If a majority of those voting reject the tentative agreement, this means the bargaining team would return to the table with UW Admin, and none of the TAd articles go into effect (i.e., we cannot selectively approve some articles and reject others so we would bargain the entire contract).
What are the terms of the tentative agreement that we’re voting on? You can read more about the specific terms of the tentative agreement at the following links: PDF of the full Tentative Agreement or there is an article-by-article overview available on the UWRU CoCo Bargaining Center.
How long is the vote open? How will we be notified of the results? The vote will open the morning of Wednesday 7/16 and will run through Tuesday 7/22 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. CoCos will be notified via email of the ratification vote results on Wednesday 7/23.
Is the ratification vote anonymous? The vote is conducted via digital secret ballot. Organizers will be able to see whether you have voted, but not how you have voted. UW will not have access to information about who has voted.
How can I get additional information?
We’ll be holding Ratification Info Sessions. Below is the schedule of upcoming sessions:
Wednesday, July 16 at 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Thursday, July 17 at 9:30 am to 10:30 am
Friday, July 18 at 12 pm to 1 pm
Monday, July 21 at 3 pm to 4 pm
Tuesday, July 22 at 1 pm to 2 pm
There is no need to pre-register, you can just show up to whichever one works well with your schedule. The same zoom link will work to attend any of these sessions. At each info session we’ll provide an overview of the articles in our contract and there will be a chance for Q/A.
Cast Your Ballot Here: https://form.jotform.com/251956715161157
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at coco-bargaining@uaw4121.org.