We ended our last scheduled bargaining session with management on Friday with no agreement on a contract. In fact, after seven bargaining sessions across our state over the last few months, management seemed surprised when we told them we expect parity with state worker COLAs over the next two years. It’s clear that management isn’t feeling the urgency of the moment. It’s been more than 18 months since our last COLA and we have all felt the impact of record inflation over that period. On Friday afternoon, management left the table without giving us a revised economic proposal.  

Once again, it’s not just COLAs. Right now, we either get Veterans Day or Christmas Eve off. We’re trying to unify the day off for all workers to be Veterans Day. Management started our last bargaining session by making an offer to grant Veterans Day as a holiday but took it back when we said we were continuing our proposal that workers receive a floating holiday each year to use at the worker’s discretion. (UO has agreed to grant this to employees, but the Universities are so far refusing to put it in our contract.) Management also continues to propose taking away one personal day per year. You can view our updated list of proposals here.  

So, what’s next? 

We’re going to mediation next year. A state mediator helps the two sides communicate in hopes of coming to an agreement. The mediation process is not binding, but it is a required step before we are legally able to strike.  

As the year ends, there is still a lot of work ahead. We will have more news to share in the new year. Until then, we wish you and your families a safe and restful holiday period. In the new year, classified workers will be doubling down on organizing our coworkers so management can see we’re serious about winning the contract we deserve. Here’s what you can do in the meantime: 

Sign the Strike Pledge 

To win the contract we need, we have to show management that we have the strength and unity to strike if we need to. Make sure you sign our strike pledge and ask your coworkers to sign on too. Sign here. Have questions about the strike pledge? Read our FAQ. 

Help Boost Membership 

Solid membership is our greatest source of strength in bargaining. We all have at least one coworker who has not yet taken the step to join our union. Talk to your coworkers about the importance of membership and ask them to join us to help win a better contract for everyone. Here’s the link to become a member.  

Purple Up Tuesday 

We continue to wear purple every Tuesday until we win the contract we deserve. Make sure to wear purple every Tuesday and send a photo of you and your coworkers to photos@seiu503.org.