Higher Education Workers at Oregon’s Public Universities Vote to Strike

Economic Fairness Remains a Core Issue

SALEM, OR — Classified workers at Oregon’s seven public universities voted decisively to authorize a strike that could begin as early as Monday, September 28, unless management agrees to a fair contract.

In a recent survey conducted by the union, more than half of classified workers said they worry about running out of money before their next paycheck; 28% are going into debt for basic living expenses; and nearly one in four worry they won’t have enough groceries to last until their next payday. Meanwhile, university presidents at Oregon’s public institutions are receiving compensation packages of nearly $1 (M) million per year.

An overwhelming 97% of voting SEIU members authorized a strike, sending management a clear message: bring proposals to the bargaining table that are fair to your essential workers, or we will be forced to strike.

For months, university management has dragged out negotiations while putting forward pay proposals significantly below the inflation rate.  Management is also proposing to eliminate key workplace protections, including getting rid of safeguards against contracting out workers’ jobs and eliminating their rights during layoffs.

“The ball is in their court. Management still has an opportunity to do the right thing and settle this contract,” said Jo Hickerson, SEIU 503 higher education bargaining chair and Scientific Instrument Technician at Eastern Oregon University. “If management continues to bring proposals that will drive our members into poverty, we will be out on the picket lines at universities across Oregon to strike on September 28.”

The SEIU 503 higher education bargaining unit includes approximately 4,600 classified workers at Oregon’s seven public universities. These workers keep campuses functioning, clean and safe through their work in dining services, student support, facilities, public safety, information technology and other essential services.

In August, SEIU 503 released “The Cost of Administrative Bloat,” a report showing the universities spent $1.75 on administrative staff and benefits for every $1 spent on classified staff. For more than a decade, management found the money to increase pay for administrators while allowing classified workers’ wages to fall further behind, even as it claims there isn’t enough to cover cost-of-living increases for the workers who keep every campus running.

“This vote sends a clear message: we are united, we are organized and we are ready to strike unless management brings proposals that allow us to survive,” said Rieley Umphress, a member of the SEIU bargaining team and a catering sales coordinator at the University of Oregon. “Classified workers make these universities run. A strike is a last resort; however, we cannot afford to accept a contract that guarantees we continue falling further behind. Management has stalled long enough. It’s time for them to bring proposals to the table that will settle this contract.”

Workers remain ready to reach an agreement and avert a strike; for that to happen, management must make meaningful movement at the bargaining table.

 

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SEIU 503 is a Union of 72,000 public services workers and care providers in Oregon. We envision a just and vibrant society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and where all people can provide for themselves and their families.