Published: August 7, 2017

On July 17 and 18 at WOU we came away from yet another round of bargaining with University Management. We’re still far apart in terms of what we feel is a fair contract. We maintain that we deserve a fair cost of living increase (COLA), the ability to maintain our healthcare premium share contribution, and be able keep our steps. During the legislative session, our work lobbying and campaigning for investments in education were pivotal in winning new revenue that resulted in an increase of $72 million in education funding. Yet management continues to propose a COLA of capped at .5 percent, along with no steps and an increase in our healthcare contribution to 7 percent.

This is unacceptable.

SEIU Local 503 Proposals University Management Proposals
Salary:

  • 2.5 percent, effective 7/1/2017.
  • 2.5 percent, effective 7/1/2018.
  • Wage floor of $2600/ month, effective 7/1/2017.
 Salary:

  • CPI capped at .5 percent, effective 12/1/2017.
  • CPI capped at .5 percent, effective 12/1/2018.
  • NO to $2600/ month wage floor.
Steps:

  • Continuation of step increases.
 Steps:

  • Freeze steps through 6/30/2019.
Healthcare:

  • 95/5 except the lowest cost plan available to the employee.
  • 97/3 split on the lowest cost plan available to the employee (status quo).
 Healthcare:

  • 93/7 split on all plans except the lowest cost plan in PEBB.
  • 97/3 split on the lowest cost PEBB plan.

Differential increases:

  • Increase high work differential by $.75 per hourl
  • Increase hazmat differentials by $.50 per hour.
  • Increase and expand eligibility for shift differential and lead work differential.
 Differential Increase:

  • Increase high work differential and hazmat differentials by $.25 per hour.
  • No change on shift differential or lead work differential.
Meals Cost LOA, OSU:

  • Status quo.
 Meals Cost LOA, OSU:

  • Expand LOA to include UO, increasing costs for UO workers.
Salary Selectives:

  • 34 classifications.
 Salary Selectives:

  • Electrical Control and Systems Tech to Salary Range 27.

Now is the time to turn up the pressure on campus. More than ever, we need to make it clear that we deserve a fair contract and will stick together for the win! Our next bargaining session is August 7-8 at the Bend Cascade Extension. Be on the lookout for unity breaks, purple up days, and other actions on the horizon. Contact your organizer by email or at 1.844.503.SEIU to learn how you can get involved on your campus.