Updated 6:30 p.m.
According to Victoria Robison, a UOSW organizer, the university ended today’s bargaining session early over continued disputes over wage increases.
Updated 5:45 p.m
Around 4:20 p.m., around 75 picketers entered the Ford Alumni Center where a “Conversation on Democracy’s Future,” event was being held 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Picketers entered the room and briefly interrupted the event with chants and a speech before leaving the event around 4:35 p.m.
“We (UOSW) wanted to disrupt the event that would usually, under other circumstances, if we weren’t on strike, would be organized and run by student workers and we’re disappointed that they’re continuing to run things as normal while a unit of almost 4000 workers is on strike,” Victoria Robison, a UOSW organizer, said. “It’s not OK to continue to have events while we’re on strike.”
The event proceeded as scheduled.
“The audience was there to listen to a talk about the future of democracy and they came in and wouldn’t let anyone else speak, that doesn’t seem very democratic to me,” an event attendee Rick Varnum said. “I wish them well but I think these tactics are misguided.”
Over 150 picketers were gathered outside of Unthank Hall ahead of a scheduled 6:00 p.m UOSW General Assembly meeting at Global Scholars Hall.
Updated 3:00 p.m.
According to UO, Resident Assistants on strike had their meal plans and room compensation revoked.
“Resident assistant compensation includes room and board in addition to a stipend. The RAs who choose to withhold labor are responsible for the costs of their meals while on strike. The union and RAs were notified of these changes prior to the strike,” UO Spokesperson Eric Howald said in a statement to The Emerald.
Striking RAs are being charged the “general student rate” for living on campus unless they fully vacate their room, according to Howald.
According to Resident Assistant and bargaining team member Ryan Campbell, RAs have already started incurring housing fees.
Campbell said the charges are “a scare tactic.” The union is helping striking RAs pay for their living expenses through the UOSW’s strike hardship fund, according to Campbell.
This morning, UOSW also reported RA bulletin boards being cleared of photos and pamphlets.
At 3:30 p.m., UOSW is expected to hold a May Day rally in front of the Student Welcome Center.
At 5:00 p.m. some picketers are expected to head to a “downtown community rally” and some picketers will be attending a teach-in at Unthank Residence Hall.
At 6:00 p.m. a general assembly meeting will be held on the lawn of Global Scholars Hall and at 7:45 p.m. an executive meeting will be held outside of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.
Updated 11:00 a.m.
On the fourth day of the University of Oregon Student Workers union strike, Ryan Campbell, a resident assistant and UOSW bargaining team member, said that striking RAs have had their meal plans terminated.
At 9:30 a.m., UOSW’s bargaining team met with UO administration for their second scheduled bargaining session since the start of the strike.
It is unclear when today’s bargaining session will end.
Roughly 75 picketers continued to march in a circle outside Johnson Hall.
A May Day event is planned for 10 a.m. outside of Johnson Hall.
Yesterday, April 30, UOSW had their first scheduled bargaining session with UO..
According to Victoria Piñeiro and Ashton Pressman, bargaining team members, yesterday’s session was “productive.”
Both bargaining teams reached an agreement to increase sick pay for all student workers, and there were also discussions on arbitration, RA roles and compensation.
An agreement over wages and probationary period was not met during yesterday’s bargaining session.
UO could not be reached in time for comment.
Editor’s Note: The Daily Emerald values transparency in its reporting and coverage production. While some Emerald staff are actively involved in the student workers strike, these staff members are not involved in the production or reporting of The Emerald’s strike coverage.
