To: Oregon State University community members
From: Edward Feser, Provost and Executive Vice President and Mike Green, Vice President for Finance and Administration
September 18, 2019
Oregon State University community members,
As you may know, OSU’s classified employees – along with classified employees represented by SEIU working at Oregon’s six other public universities – voted Monday and Tuesday to authorize a strike.
It is anticipated that without settlement of a new labor agreement, a strike will be initiated on Monday, Sept. 30.
While we are disappointed, we fully respect the labor rights of our classified employees. OSU also greatly values the hard work and service provided by all SEIU employees and recognizes that classified employees are important contributors to the university’s teaching, research and outreach, as well as the overall OSU community.
We write to share updated contract proposals presented to SEIU by the universities last week during negotiation sessions:
- Full step increases of 4.75% in each year of the next contract.
- 2.0% cost of living adjustment for all classified employees effective November 1, 2019.
- 2.0% cost of living adjustment for all classified employees effective July 1, 2020.
- A $750 one-time bonus to be paid in November for all classified employees who reached the top of their salary range as of June 30, 2018.
- All other classified employee benefits, such as healthcare, pension, holidays, vacations, sick leave, personal leave, bereavement, and others will continue as provided in the current contract.
- Further details of the universities proposal described above are available here.
OSU remains committed to reaching agreement on a fair and respectful contract that is fiscally responsible. We are optimistic that a settlement will be reached before a strike actually occurs and look forward to bargaining sessions scheduled with a mediator on Sept. 23 and 24.
At the same time, we have prudently begun preparations for a possible strike. It is essential for OSU to provide for continued safety, student learning, our research and outreach missions, and priority university services even in the event of a strike.
Over the next week, we will provide additional updates on efforts to reach a fair contract settlement and plans related to university operations should a strike occur.
Sincerely,
Edward Feser
Provost and Executive Vice President
Mike Green
Vice President, Finance and Administration