UW Research Coordinators and Consultants (CoCos) deserve a fair contract! Sign on to this letter demanding UW value the work we do with a fair contract and pay parity with Research Scientists and Engineers (RSEs), our fellow bargaining unit members.
At our fourth bargaining session yesterday, not only was the UW admin not prepared at our scheduled start time, they presented a disappointing counter proposal.
- No movement on adding anti-bullying language. They continue to be “not interested” in this.
- Minimal changes to salary minimums, still leaving some CoCos annual salaries under $50,000.
- A meager 2% increase for CoCos on November 1 with no other pay increases or back pay, which doesn’t even cover the increasing cost of living in Seattle.
Meanwhile, we’re fighting for
- Stronger anti-bullying language to ensure safe, respectful workplaces.
- Raising salary minimums to match RSE minimums.
- Fair raises that match what RSEs are receiving as part of the same union that we are joining (3.5% on November 1, 2025 and 1% on April 1, 2026).
- A one time equity raise to address two years of unequal raises between RSEs and CoCos.
Additionally UW is attempting to pressure us into accepting their proposal by July 31st, but we won’t accept a contract that would be WORSE than what we already have, and would further widen the disparity between RSEs and CoCos. We work on the same projects and advance the same research goals. We deserve the same respect and protections as RSEs.
CoCos are sharing why we deserve a fair contract and fair wages HERE. Join in by:
- Signing on to this letter: http://bit.ly/coco-letter
- Sharing the letter with others (CoCos, RSEs, PIs, partners and more!) All are welcome to sign and show support.
- Joining the next bargaining session on July 14 to continue to pressure UW for a fair contract.
You can also check out the current proposals (along with bargaining updates, ways to get involved, and more) on our website.