SEIU 925 Members Rejected University of Washington Contract
Union members voted against a contract proposal that included no wage increases for the next two years.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Unions
Live Poll
Do you feel your household income is currently keeping pace with rising costs of living?
Members of the SEIU 925 union have officially rejected the latest contract proposal from the University of Washington. Employees cited rising costs for rent, childcare, and groceries as primary reasons for the vote against the deal.
Why it matters
The rejection stems from frustration over the university's proposal of a 0% wage increase for the next two years. With current economic pressures, union members are demanding better financial compensation and benefit structures.
The university proposed a 0% wage increase for the next two years. This proposal follows a 2025 baseline where the average salary for academic counselors at the UW Tacoma campus was $60,000.
The players
SEIU 925
This union represents a diverse group of employees at the University of Washington, including academic counselors and medical personnel.
University of Washington
This public research university serves as the primary employer and central site for the ongoing labor negotiations.
The details
Union members voted to reject the contract after finding the university's offer insufficient to meet modern financial demands. In response to the stalemate, the University of Washington plans to file for mediation to resolve the dispute.
Timeline
The current labor contract is in effect from 2025 until 2027.
The next cost-of-living adjustment is scheduled for announcement in October 2026.
Employees may not see potential wage increases until 2028 due to state submission requirements.
Political Context
The current labor dispute is heavily constrained by Washington state labor contract submission requirements that could delay any potential pay raises until 2028. This administrative hurdle creates a significant barrier for employees seeking immediate financial relief.
The impasse means that employees will continue under the terms of the existing 2025 contract for the immediate future. This leaves the standard 40-hour work week and current benefit packages unchanged while the parties enter mediation.
The takeaway
The rejection highlights a growing divide between institutional budget constraints and the rising costs of living for public sector employees. Workers should monitor future mediation sessions for updates on potential adjustments to their compensation packages.
Further reading
For more information on ongoing labor disputes, see the Unions section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Thetacomaledger.
Live Poll
Do you feel your household income is currently keeping pace with rising costs of living?
