OUS Bargaining Update 8/27/09

Take the pledge: stand up and sign up for a fair contract
Strike Pledge Cards Are Out!
Classified workers on all seven campuses are standing up for a fair contract and pledging to support a vote to strike, if it is necessary. It's time to take a stand and say:

"I will not accept a contract that includes
• up to 21 furlough days when no DAS worker will have more than 14;
• a two-year step freeze when the DAS workers' steps will only be frozen for one year;
• no contract protections for the PSU recyclers who voted to join our union;
• no firm commitment to shared sacrifice by managers and other staff."

The management bargaining team is showing no willingness to address our key issues of DAS parity, shared sacrifice and protection for the PSU recyclers.  No one wants to strike, but if we capitulate on the principle of parity over compensation this year, our health care will be on the line next time. For our families and our future, we must be ready to stand united for a fair contract. We cannot allow the Chancellor and the Board of Higher Education to treat first-class university workers as second-class State workers.

To sign a pledge card or get more information, please contact a contract action team member, campus bargaining rep or local organizer.

Don't delay! Return your ratification ballot today!
Even though the OUS contract has not been settled, OUS members have a right to vote on the DAS settlement, since OUS is covered by the insurance and COLA provisions of that agreement. So at the same time we continue our fight for a fair OUS contract, we encourage members to return the ratification ballots that have been mailed to all OUS members.  In addition to the  unanimous "yes" recommendation of the SEIU bargaining team, the tentative agreement comes to you with a unanimous "yes" recommendation from the over 100 DAS and OUS bargaining delegates who gathered in Portland on August 15 to review the agreement. While there is no question that the tentative agreement involves sacrifice, it is a fair deal for tough times that protects our health insurance and it is one our OUS Bargaining Team is trying to replicate for us in other areas. If you have not returned your ballot please vote today! If you have not received your ballot, please call your local SEIU office or 1.800.452.2146 so that a replacement can be sent to you.

Next Mediation Session Set for Friday September 4 at WOU
After they refused to discuss setting a date for continued  talks following the end of the August 21 mediation session, the Chancellor's negotiators were taken to task by us and many of our allies -- including legislators who asked how that kind of gamesmanship could lead to a fair settlement. In another example of how strong and swift action from us can get results, they asked for another session. We have agreed to meet again Friday, September 4 on the Western Oregon campus.