Union at University of Iowa Health Care endorses robust agreement, marking notable improvement in years
The Service Employees International Union Local 199 (SEIU Local 199), representing over 3,800 workers at the University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC), has ratified a new contract following a series of negotiations. The new agreement includes significant improvements in wage terms, marking the union's strongest contract in Iowa since changes to Chapter 20 in 2017.
The contract secures percentage raises for union members, although the exact percentage amounts remain undisclosed. A notable aspect of the agreement is the removal of maximum salary caps, allowing employees to exceed previous salary ceilings and boost their earning potential. Additionally, the contract provides guarantees of salary minimums, ensuring a baseline level of pay that will not fall below a certain threshold.
However, the contract does not provide specific details about vacation, extra time compensation, or safety in the workplace. The union's previous two-year contract did not increase minimum salaries and provided a 2.6 percent raise over the term.
The negotiations between the union and the board were not without challenges. The union initially asked for a 14 percent pay raise in the first year and a 12 percent increase in the second year, which the board did not initially accept. The union also expressed dissatisfaction over the board's refusal to bargain in good faith, leading to an impasse.
In response, the union filed a prohibited practice complaint against the state Board of Regents with the state's Public Employment Relations Board. Attorney Emily Schott Hood stated that the board's declaration of impasse was not legal, as the union had room to move on mandatory subjects of bargaining.
Despite the discord, the new contract does represent progress for the union members. The SEIU Facebook post acknowledged hard-fought wins in the new contract, but emphasized that the fight is not over. For the most accurate and detailed information, direct communications from SEIU Local 199 or official statements from the University of Iowa Health Care would be the best sources to consult.
Vanessa Miller, who covers higher education for the publication, can be reached at (319) 339-3158 or [her email](mailto:vanessa.miller@ourwebsite).
The contract also includes a focus on health and wellness, with an emphasis on mental health, as it mandates a workplace-wellness program designed to improve the overall well-being of its employees. Furthermore, the SEIU Local 199 advocates for continued scientific research on the impact of such programs on mental health, aiming to create a healthier, more supportive work environment for all union members.
