Classified employees at Oregon’s seven public universities have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike that could begin as early as Sept. 28 if university leadership does not reach a new contract agreement. The vote, conducted by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 503 higher‑education bargaining unit, saw 97% of participating members approve the strike authorization after months of stalled negotiations.
Who the workers are and what they do
The SEIU 503 bargaining unit represents roughly 4,600 classified workers across the state’s public university system. These employees provide essential campus services, including dining, student support, facilities maintenance, public safety, and information technology. Their work keeps the universities operating smoothly for students, faculty, and the broader community.
Key contract disputes
Union representatives say university management has offered pay proposals that fall below the rate of inflation while also seeking to remove workplace protections. The disputed contract terms include safeguards against contracting out jobs and employee rights during workforce layoffs. Union leaders argue that without stronger wage growth and job‑security provisions, many classified workers risk falling into poverty.
Financial pressures on workers
A recent union‑conducted survey revealed that more than half of the classified staff worry about running out of money before their next paycheck. The survey found that 28% of respondents are already going into debt to cover basic living expenses, and nearly one in four expressed concern about having enough groceries to last until payday. These financial strains are highlighted against the backdrop of university presidents receiving compensation packages approaching $1 million per year.
Union leadership calls for action
Jo Hickerson, the SEIU 503 higher‑education bargaining chair and a scientific instrument technician at Eastern Oregon University, said, “The ball is in their court. Management still has an opportunity to do the right thing and settle this contract. 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.”
Rieley Umphress, a catering sales coordinator at the University of Oregon and member of the bargaining team, added, “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. 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.”
Administrative cost concerns
In August, SEIU 503 released a report titled “The Cost of Administrative Bloat,” which found that Oregon public universities spend $1.75 on administrative staff and benefits for every $1 spent on classified staff. The union noted that administrator compensation has risen over the past decade while classified wages have lagged behind the cost of living.
Potential impact of a strike
If no agreement is reached, picket lines could form at public universities across Oregon beginning Sept. 28. Such action would likely disrupt dining services, campus safety, maintenance, and other essential functions, affecting thousands of students and faculty. The union emphasizes that the strike is a last resort, intended to pressure management into offering a fair contract that reflects the economic realities faced by classified workers.
What comes next?
University administrators have not yet responded publicly to the strike authorization. The next steps will involve continued negotiations, with both sides hoping to avoid a work stoppage that could impact the academic calendar and campus operations. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and local community members, are watching closely as the deadline approaches.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
