State/University News

• Privatize OUS? Not So Fast!
  Should the Legislature consider allowing the Oregon Board of Higher Ed to take the three largest campuses in the state’s public university system private?
• University Workers OK Pact
  An overwhelming 93% of those members voting by mail have ratified a new two-year agreement covering 4,000 classified workers in the Oregon University System represented by SEIU LOCAL 503.
  
• 88 Percent!
  Members of the DAS unit have overwhelmingly ratified a new two-year contract by an 88% margin. The agreement covers more than 18,000 DAS workers and provides health insurance coverage for more than 4,000 classified university workers. OUS workers will vote on other aspects of their contract later this month.
• Strike Pledges Are Out!
  Many of the 4,000 classified workers on all seven Oregon university campuses are standing up for a fair contract and pledging to support a vote to strike, if it is necessary.
• Is OUS Just Stringing Us Along?
  OUS negotiators abandoned their request for limitless furlough days, but tied that to an all-or-nothing package including up to 21 furlough days, a 2-year step freeze, and no recognition of the Portland State Recyclers.