The University of Oregon and Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation have accepted a letter of agreement that provides for a one-year extension of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement and addresses several other important shared interests. Members of GTFF voted to approve the LOA last week and the agreement is effective Nov. 30.

The parties have been working over the last month to reach terms to ease the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agreement extends the current contract to June 15, 2023. It also includes COVID-19 safety confirmations, increases and expands access to the Graduate Student Assistance Fund, and extends funding for eligible graduate employees in PhD programs. Details of the agreement are available on the HR website.

“Reaching agreement with the GTFF is an important step to supporting graduate employees while also creating some stability as we contend with uncertainties and impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the University of Oregon,” said Mark Schmelz, chief human resources officer.