Oregon’s public universities and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), representing classified employees, have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract. SEIU has rescinded its strike notice and is taking the new collective bargaining agreement to its membership for a vote. Key economic terms reached in the new contract include:

• 3.0% COLA, effective July 1, 2019;
• 2.10% COLA, effective July 1, 2020;
• A longevity premium of 2.5% for classified employees who have been at the University at least five (5) years and have been at the top of their salary range for at least a year from their salary eligibility date;
• Commitment to keeping entry level-wages at all universities above Portland-metro area universities’ minimum wage by eliminating steps of the salary schedule that are below that rate;
• In the event of campus closures and delays due to inclement weather or hazardous conditions, the first 48 hours of closure or curtailment will be paid during the 2-year agreement.;
• Healthcare, pension, holidays, vacations, sick leave, personal leave, bereavement, and other benefits remain the same as the previous contract.

SEIU employees are valued classified workers who play an important role in the education of more than 120,000 Oregon public university students by providing important services for students and by supporting teaching and research. Classified employees are also respected colleagues who are vital to the operation of our universities and the diverse student services each campus provides.

Open Sessions

In the coming weeks, Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) will offer open sessions for managers and supervisors to discuss changes in the new agreement and ask questions. Dates and times will be published on the HR website when they become available.

Contact ELR with questions about the new agreement by email at uoelr@uoregon.edu.