Oregon public university workers authorize strike, could walk out Sept. 28

(KTVZ) -- Classified workers at Oregon's seven public universities voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike that could begin as early as Sept. 28 unless a contract agreement is reached with university management.

A total of 97% of voting Service Employees International Union members approved the strike authorization following months of stalled contract negotiations.

The SEIU 503 higher education bargaining unit represents approximately 4,600 classified workers across Oregon's university system. These employees provide essential campus services, including dining services, student support, facilities maintenance, public safety and information technology.

Union representatives said management has offered pay proposals below the rate of inflation while seeking to remove workplace protections. Key disputed contract terms include safeguards against contracting out jobs and employee rights during workforce layoffs.

According to a recent union survey, more than half of the classified workers reported worrying about running out of money before their next paycheck. The survey also found that 28% of respondents are going into debt to pay for basic living expenses, while nearly one in four expressed concern about having enough groceries to last until their next payday. Union representatives noted these financial pressures occur while university presidents at Oregon's public institutions receive compensation packages of nearly $1 million per year.

Jo Hickerson serves as the SEIU 503 higher education bargaining chair and works as a scientific instrument technician at Eastern Oregon University. “The ball is in their court. Management still has an opportunity to do the right thing and settle this contract,” Hickerson said. “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 Sept. 28.”

In August, SEIU 503 released a report titled “The Cost of Administrative Bloat.” The report stated that Oregon public universities spent $1.75 on administrative staff and benefits for every $1 spent on classified staff. The union noted that management increased administrator compensation over the past decade while classified wages fell behind relative to the cost of living.

Rieley Umphress is a member of the SEIU bargaining team and works as a catering sales coordinator at the University of Oregon. “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,” Umphress said. “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.”

If no agreement is reached between university management and the union bargaining team, picket lines could form at public universities across Oregon starting Sept. 28.