University Workers Score Big Wins

OUS workers saw huge gains this legislative session. Our front-line workers' fight for improvements to facilities and staffing resulted in changes that will bolster public universities in Oregon.

The most contentious part of the funding fight was over deferred maintenance. Our members led campus tours for decision makers to show them the poor condition of facilities.

As a result, $561 M was provided for capital construction, repair and deferred maintenance funding — an increase of 37%.

Increased staff and funding will help the Oregon University System meet the demands associated with increased enrollment. However, we must continue to fight to ensure appropriate staff ratios between faculty and classified workers.

Additionally, the Oregon Opportunity Grant received an increase in funding of 38%. This program makes college more affordable to children in working families. This program is administered by our members in the Oregon Student Assistance Commission.

"I am hopeful that the increased funding will address the issues that have been building up for a decade and will allow us to repair and preserve old buildings and provide an education to students. As classified employees we care about our campuses and have been frustrated at the legislature's lack of investment, so we are excited that our lobbying paid off and that campuses have an increased budget." Lois Yoshishige , University of Oregon