The Oregon University System and the Service Employees International Union 503 reached tentative agreement on contract negotiations for OUS classified staff early Thursday morning.

The settlement, which covers a total of 4,300 employees on all seven OUS campuses and one branch campus, will now be taken by SEIU to its membership for a mail ratification vote. The union's notice of intent to strike on September 30 – the first day of the fall term for students – has been rescinded.

“We are grateful to the members of the bargaining teams for working so hard to reach a settlement and avert a strike," said Melody Rose, the interim OUS chancellor.

"OUS classified staff are key to every student’s success and experience throughout their time on our campuses," Rose said. "This is a fair, realistic settlement that recognizes their important role and contributions, but also the constrained resources in higher education in Oregon that remain an ongoing challenge."

Rose said each of the OUS universities is unique and has resources based on a mix of in-state and nonresident students, size and economies of scale. She said the settlement recognizes the need to operate under a viable financial model and will help to keep student tuition affordable for Oregon students.

UO President Michael Gottfredson echoed the chancellor's appreciation that the contract issue will not delay this fall's start of classes.

"Our classified staff members take great pride in their work and are dedicated to the success of our university and our students," the UO President said. "I have immense respect for all university employees who have chosen to make their careers in the service of higher education. We are doing important work, and I look forward to continuing it together." 

A summary of key contract areas for salary and benefits is available on the Oregon University System website.

- from the Oregon University System