Service Employee International Union
SEIU represents approximately 1,500 staff members on campus, often referred to as “classified staff,” who perform a wide range of important functions in areas such as health care, facilities, administrative support, dining services, and information technology.
Negotiations with SEIU are led by University Shared Services Enterprise or USSE, which provides a variety of functions for Oregon’s seven public universities, including the University of Oregon.
Current President: Stephanie Prentiss
Website: https://local085.org
SEIU COVID Recognition Bonus
The university is providing a one-time bonus to eligible SEIU employees in recognition of their services during the pandemic that enable the university to remain open and operational.
COVID Recognition Bonuses are outlined in a letter of agreement as part of the tentative contract agreement reached with SEIU. Execution of the agreement and payment of bonuses is contingent of contract ratification by SEIU members.
COVID Recognition Bonus Eligibility & Information
Tentative agreement reached for a new five-year contract
Bargaining teams representing Oregon’s seven public universities and union classified employees have reached agreement on a five-year labor contract, the longest ever between the two parties.
The agreement requires approval by a vote of union members followed by signing by Oregon’s university presidents, who have issued a statement supporting the agreement. SEIU members will vote on the new contract during December, with implementation taking place in January 2022, if ratified.
In summary, the contract settlement includes:
- A one-time bonus of up to $1,500 for eligible classified employees who were required to work onsite in uncertain times during the pandemic and who contributed to important health and safety initiatives for university community members.
- A 3.10% cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all classified employees effective Jan. 1, 2022 and a 2.50% COLA for all classified employees effective July 1, 2022.
- Full step wage increases of 4.75% in each year of the next contract, representing a total of 19%. The step wage increase applies to more than 70 percent of represented classified employees who are not already at the top step of their salary classification;
- Continuation of longevity salary premium of 2.5% for classified employees who have been employed by a university for at least five years and have been at the top of their salary range for at least one year from their salary eligibility date;
- A commitment to keep entry level wages paid classified employees at all universities above $15 per hour by eliminating steps of the salary schedule that are below that amount.
- Moves 31 employee position classifications to higher salary ranges;
- Provides employees with 48 hours of paid time that may be used in the event of closures or delays in campus openings due to inclement weather or hazardous conditions. This provision of 48 hours of paid time will renewed every two years through the life of the agreement.
- Modifies contract language to allow classified employees to engage in remote work, acknowledging rapid changes taking place in the national employment landscape.
- Added Juneteenth as an officially recognized and paid holiday for classified employees.
- Provides that all other benefits, including healthcare, pension, holidays, vacations, sick leave, personal leave, bereavement, that are part of the current contract with classified employees for 2019-21 will remain effect for the next contract (2021-2026). These benefit provisions are subject to potential changes that may be negotiated during the parties’ economic reopener in 2023-2024.
