This year, our Union settled the best round of contracts in over a decade, winning meaningful wage increases and other important changes for tens of thousands of families in Oregon.

Thuy Huyen, Portland State University: “When I saw the news about our new contract, I remember jumping up and down in my bed. I was so excited that I texted my mom. The extra money will make a big difference, but it was also this rush of excitement knowing that we took on something as powerful as the state university system and actually won.”

Higher Ed Contract Highlights

• The largest cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in more than a decade, 3% retroactive to July 1, 2019 and another 2.1% starting July 1, 2020.
• No change in the healthcare premium share for workers, a significant improvement from the 10% increase originally proposed.
• A 48-hour leave bank for workers over the 2 year contract to be used if campuses are shut down because of inclement weather.
• Regular steps in both years of the contract means that a worker who is not topped out will see a nearly 15% increase (Steps+COLAs) over the 2 years of the contract. Management’s initial proposal on steps was a complete freeze for the duration of the contract.
•  All workers with 5 years of service who are “topped out” will get an ongoing 2.5% differential on 11/1/19.
• And more.

All of this was made possible by SEIU 503 members who showed up and pushed this over the finish line. Management’s initial offer included step freezes, a 10% increase to the cost of our healthcare, and other disrespectful proposals.

A message from Steve Demarest, an employee of the Oregon Employment Department and current statewide president of SEIU 503: “If not the Union, then who? Nobody is out there advocating for working people in this country, except for working people. It has to be us, together in union, that fight for a better life.”