Candidate Statements for the Higher Education Bargaining Delegate Election

PSU

My name is Kevin Reed, I work at Portland State University as a member of SEIU 503. I work as a Locksmith. It’s important to me that we get a fair contract that reflects the current state of life as an SEIU Union Member. If elected I will represent my coworkers with a cool head, strong communication skills, and a passion to do what’s right for as many people as possible.

Ashley Wase, PSU, 89, Inventory Manager

I have represented SEIU classified staff in the last two negotiations, and it’s an honor to do so. I am excited to have a full contract to work with this time, as I know there were limitations during the reopener. I have kept all the issues you’ve brought to me close to my heart, and I look forward to fighting for you again. I have been in close contact with the AAUP bargaining team and observed their successes and failures, and I hope to learn from them. In addition, I have been diving deep into my husband’s union contract, as well as consulting with friends at the VA about what their contract provides, so I can learn even more about how contract language can help or hurt. Getting the language in our CBA that protects us while also giving us the money we deserve feels to me like the core of who I am, and I would love the opportunity to continue.

UO

Sam Galli, UO Local 085 Library Technician 2. Hello All, My name is Sam and I am running for Bargaining Delegate for SEIU Higher Ed Bargaining. I have been the Local 085 Treasurer since 2019, as well as 3 time General Council delegate and a CAT prior to all that. I have spent all of that time doing my best to support our union labor and rights as Higher Ed workers at the UO and beyond. I have helped to plan meetings and rallies at on campus for our last few Bargaining Sessions from the Local Exec side of things, and now I am hoping to directly support our Lead Bargaining reps at the table. Its important to take the information that is being negotiated at the table to the members on campus, and then take feedback from our members back to the reps so they can make the best decisions possible. I promise to do my best to keep our members informed and fight with our Lead to get the contract that we need. Thank you for your time!

My name is Misty Nickolaus and I work at the University of Oregon as an administrative program assistant for the housing department. I have been here two years and have learned so much about working in the public sector. I am a born and raised, proud Oregonian. I am very protective of my university family and am always looking for more ways to serve. I am both a good listener and a fierce fighter. I care about the details while not losing sight of the big picture. I am an open book, always willing to answer any questions you may have. My background is mostly construction, sales, and management, with a switch to health care just prior to Covid. Making the transition to a desk job was an adjustment, but I believe I have thrived. I have noticed a trend of bureaucratic complacency taking over the day to day functions of many of our jobs and hope to treat that as the disease it is. I know that even though we are public entity, we do not have to operate like so many others. We have the ability to be better, and our contracts should reflect that. Thank you for your consideration.

“Hello Union sisters, siblings, and brothers,

My name is Rieley Umphress, and I’ve spent the past three years working in University Housing at the University of Oregon—the largest department on campus and one that has long been underrepresented. I’ve been proud to step up as an elected Steward and more recently, to serve on the Holiday Planning Committee. It’s been a pleasure connecting with many of you through that work and helping to strengthen our sense of solidarity.

We often talk about the lowest paid, but too often people don’t understand what that looks like or how our members truly struggle day to day. I have been an essential worker my entire life. I’ve been part of the backbone of operations without recognition or respect. I’ve lived paycheck to paycheck and struggled to make ends meet and can relate to what many of our members currently struggle with. This is not something new to our members but it’s something that should not be happening! I am running for Lead Bargaining delegate because I want to be on the front line of enacting change and being able to stand up for those who feel they do not have a voice, to stand for those who are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and to stand for those who may not be struggling financially but need better contract language to support their needs.

If Elected as a lead Bargaining delegate, it is my biggest goal to work with Elected leaders, CATs and fellow members to set up meetings within various departments. The goal of these meetings would be to update members on what is happening at the bargaining table but most importantly, to hear directly from the members I am elected to represent. This will not be a one-way street, I want to hear from you! I will fight to keep what we have fought hard to win and to expand and build on it, including seeking to clarify confusing language and articles in the contract.

This upcoming bargaining cycle will bring challenges and uncertainties but what remains certain is our strength when we stand united. This is about all of us, collectively, using our worker power to demand what we deserve.

I’m asking for your vote so I can bring your voice to the table and fight for all of us.

In solidarity,

Rieley Umphress”

Louie Vidmar. University of Oregon, Local 085. Critical IT Systems Mapping Specialist.

Thank you – all of you – for standing up with me and fighting for our contract over the past 5 years. Together, and with me representing you at the table, we’ve secured the best wage increases we’ve ever had!

It takes a solid group effort to negotiate wages, represent coworkers, communicate with members, work to try to ensure that our Local represents our members, and forge relationships with other local unions and ally organizations.

While we’ve made unprecedented movement in wages, these last 2 campaigns, we need to maintain pressure so we don’t fall behind. We’ve also left some unfinished business on some non-economic issues, that I would like to make progress on. Issues such as the grievance procedure, work-out-of-class/re-classification, and mutual respect, to name a few.

I humbly ask for your support by voting for me in this election for bargaining delegate. In solidarity, forever.

Ashly Lilly SEIU 503 – UO – Communications Coordinator for the Division of Graduate Studies

Today, my office is filled with the sounds of student workers who are striking. They are asking for higher wages – wages that would surpass some classified staff on campus. I support their right to strike, and I believe that the UO needs to step it up for SEIU members.

The most important bargaining issue to me is ensuring that classified staff wages keep pace with other campus positions, as well as market rates for the skilled work we perform to ensure the UO succeeds. Due to the GEs increase in their recent CBA, many skilled, highly educated, professional classified staff are making less than our student coworkers while being expected to bring a higher quality performance.

In addition to pay disparity, I understand that many classified staff on campus have issues they wish to see on the bargaining table.

As a member of the bargaining team, I pledge to listen to your concerns and to ensure that everyone is heard at the bargaining table. I pledge to put in the time and research necessary to make compelling arguments that support our demands and demonstrate our value to the UO.

In solidarity.

Beth Robinson, UO, 085 –

“SEIU 503 Higher Ed members work on seven campuses across the state (PSU, OSU, WOU, UO, SOU, EOU and Oregon Tech), keeping Oregon a great place to learn. Oregon’s public universities work because we do!” Winning in bargaining is what makes our members lives and communities better in exchange for our labor.

As a graduate of the UO law school I am trained in negotiation and dispute resolution, learning these skills has helped me to understand that creating unity is achievable. A great negotiator hears disagreement and stays steady. They get curious instead of defensive. They ask, “Why do they see it that way?” “What’s driving that opinion?” That is where the gold is—digging into the other person’s perspective to uncover what is really going on. Understand this: staying calm does not mean rolling over or agreeing. It means you are in control of the moment along with your emotions. That is how you keep the conversation productive and the door open for progress. I hope you will choose me to represent 085 as a bargaining delegate to win a strong contract and continue to keep Oregon a great place to learn.

In Unity, Beth Robinson

OSU

Damien Manassa, Oregon State University, sublocal 083. Equipment Systems Specialist.

One thing not enough people talk about when you join a union is how quickly you get invested. For those of you that have been a part of SEIU 503 for longer than I, that probably feels like a given. In my case, as eager as I was to join when given the opportunity, I had no idea what being in a union would actually feel like. The security and camaraderie of being with a group of folks that want to improve conditions for as many as they’re able to has me inspired. Being a worker can be tough, isolating, frustrating, but unions prove that workers have the power to shape our experiences into something more. And it’s that more that I want to help protect.

Soon, we’ll be bargaining for a new contract. With so much uncertainty in the political world right now, on both a federal and state level, the timing doesn’t feel great. But unions have a long history of making gains and holding strong during difficult times. I don’t say this to dismiss concerns; I’m just too stubborn to give up on us.

As your bargaining delegate, I will advocate for your concerns and hold firm on what matters most to our union, like healthcare. My top priority is to be the voice for the 083 because our contract fight is about all of us together. It’s bigger than just me or my department or the union members I know personally. If anyone wants to speak about specific concerns, I’d love to meet; I hope by the end of this I get the chance to get to know more of you.

Our contract isn’t something that comes free. It takes a collective voice, strong will, clear communication, and effort. We may negotiate the terms with management, but the power is ours.

Thank you for your confidence, your solidarity, and your votes. Together we’ll get this done.

Eric Gleske, Oregon State University 083. I’m an ITC-III in Media Services.

I am asking for your vote to join the bargaining team, to fight for the incredible staff who keep Oregon State University running every day. This June I begin my 20th year at OSU. In that time, I’ve seen how collective bargaining can make a real difference – and how fast hard-won gains can slip away if we aren’t ready to stand up and defend them

My top priorities are to protect our health care, and keep wages in step with the cost of living. Health care comes first, because without it, no COLA is enough.

I’m an actual Exemplary Employee – I have the plaque (2021) to prove it. But that recognition means nothing if the people who make OSU successful can’t afford to stay. As part of the bargaining team, my presence will signal that even the institution’s celebrated employees are fighting for their future. I want that plaque to advance our position, not just collect dust.

The next few years won’t be easy. Change is coming fast, and the university will be tempted to ask staff to sacrifice – again. Meanwhile, OSU boasts about enrollment growth, record research funding, and national rankings. None of those achievements happen without us. The university must recognize that success starts with treating its workforce fairly.

We are not asking for favors. We are demanding basic fairness: wages that keep up with inflation, affordable health care, and a contract that honors the work we do.

All we ask is to be treated fairly and equitably when it comes to our pay and benefits.

I chose to work here, and I’ll bet you did, too. The land-grant mission has been a calling for me much of my career. OSU’s future depends on its ability to keep good people here: people who know the campus, understand the community, and know how to meet our mission. That future disappears if staff are forced out because they can’t make ends meet.

When I started working here, it was hard enough for any staff member to live in Corvallis. Now? It’s damn near impossible. The cost to us to be able to work here is already crushing, and we can’t afford to lose any ground. If OSU wants to attain the goals laid out in Prosperity Widely Shared, it will be better able to by keeping its talented workforce here on campus with a good contract.

I would be honored to carry that message to the bargaining table.

Kary Meredith Oregon State University Sublocal 083. Administrative Program Specialist

As a dedicated and experienced advocate for workers’ rights, I bring a wealth of union knowledge to the SEIU Bargaining Committee. My commitment to collective action is built upon years of active involvement in the labor movement, including valuable experience with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA). Having been a proud member of SEIU at the University of Oregon before transitioning to my current role here in Corvallis, I possess a deep understanding of the unique needs and priorities of our diverse membership. I am eager to leverage my experience and passion to ensure a fair and equitable contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of all SEIU members.

Jax SN Johnson

Equipment Systems Specialist II

Oregon State University

Fellow Union Members,

I’m Jax Johnson, your colleague and an Equipment Systems Specialist here at OSU. Every day, we contribute essential work, upholding the mission of this university. I stand ready and determined to champion our collective cause as your Bargaining Delegate.

This negotiation is more than just procedure; it’s our moment to build power and secure the dignity and respect our labor deserves. I am commitment to ensure our contract is forged into something – clear, powerful, and protective of every single member’s rights and future.

We will stand united to:

I will represent you at the table with tireless preparation, transparent communication, and unwavering commitment to our shared interests. Together, let us win the contract that reflects our value and contribution.

Vinay Ramakrishnan. Oregon State University, Sublocal 083. I am passionate about protecting and strengthening collective bargaining rights, and maintaining the Public University as a great place to build a career. As someone who has worked in non-union environments prior to coming to OSU, I understand the value that our union brings to all OSU employees and will always fight to maintain and strengthen our collective bargaining rights.

My name is Patrick Breshears

I am employed as an Able Mariner at Oregon State University SEIU503 sublocal 083.

I am currently running as a bargaining delegate.

I have been a union steward for our sublocal for almost 15 years and am now the current Chief Steward.

I was an alternate bargaining delegate for our last bargaining contract. Prior to that I had given 2 presentations for selectives for the Ships Complement at Ship Operations out in Newport, and was successful.

Our last contract we were able to gain some good COLA’s. This time we will be bargaining the whole contract language and with my experience as a steward there are definitely areas that need to be addressed.

I will fight to secure a good contract for all.

Donatellia Austin, Oregon State University, SEIU 503; Stage Production Coordinator.

Candidate Statement:

My name is Donatellia (D) Austin, and I serve as the Stage Production Coordinator at PRAx at Oregon State University. While I am new to Oregon and to SEIU, I bring experience in organizing and union work. I firmly believe that a strong and effective bargaining team is essential to securing a robust contract that truly reflects the interests of our members.

Our universities depend on the dedicated classified staff who keep operations running smoothly.

In my previous role as a candidate for Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of Wyoming, I focused on engaging with student groups that were often overlooked. This approach resulted in one of the highest voter turnouts in recent history, demonstrating the power of giving individuals a voice. As a student employee, I successfully advocated for and secured better wages for myself and my co-workers in a position requiring specialized skills.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I actively supported a political campaign in Wyoming dedicated to workers’ rights, healthcare expansion, and protections for marginalized populations, all while prioritizing the needs of tradespeople. My colleagues in the freelance community have recognized me as an advocate for fair wages, reasonable hours, and improved rights. My experience as both an overhire for IASTE locals and a specialized freelancer informs my commitment to strengthening our contract in ways that benefit everyone that the union represents.

If elected to the bargaining committee, I will work tirelessly to advocate from custodian to cook, tradesperson to office worker. Each of us deserves a contract that honors our contributions and safeguards our livelihoods. That is my promise to you as an bargaining committee member.

Jackson Brenner-Smith – Oregon State University, SEIU 503, Library Technician II

I joined the union because I believe in the right and power of workers to get fair pay and fair treatment. This has become more important than ever with the rise in cost of living, and business interests that undermine unions. My top priority issues are housing and healthcare. We should be able to afford housing in the communities we work and not be saddled with medical debt to ensure we, and our families, are healthy.

Some folks at the top see the uncertain times we are in as an opportunity to cut pay and benefits. This regression will hurt workers and damage our communities; I will fight against the retraction of what we are owed.

At the bargaining table, I will work to find solutions that will last and give us security in our jobs, incomes, and benefits.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to securing our future together.

OIT

Jeff Daniels, Oregon Institute of Technology, sub local 90. Information Technology Consultant. I am seeking to represent our community as a Bargaining Delegate to ensure that our voices are heard. I am dedicated to addressing key issues that impact us all. Fair compensation, job security, and a good work-life balance are issues important to me. I believe in open communication and collaboration. Together, we can create a better workplace. Thank you for your support!