Notice has been given to the University of Oregon that graduate employees intend to strike if a deal is not reached with the university by Jan. 17.
According to a statement posted to the Graduate Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation’s website, the university has “failed to bring wage proposals that address the needs of all [Graduate Employees].”
On Nov. 6, members voted in favor of a strike, with 90% of members participating in the vote. GTFF represents over 1,500 graduate employees and research assistants.
Inflation and cost of living have increased the demand for union members to have financial security.
On Nov. 30, the university had given GTFF a salary offer which, according to the statement, did not meet the union’s demand for economic stability which was outlined in their 2023-24 Bargaining Platform, “GEs Deserve Dignity.”
According to GTFF’s “strike FAQs” document, the declaration of a strike would mean GEs would stop doing any work until the strike is called off. The document breaks down different duties that should be placed on pause during strike if the employee is a teaching, research or administrative GE.
“In order to secure dignified working conditions for all GEs, we are prepared to take the collective action of going on strike,” the statement said.
The university answered the Emerald’s request for comment with an issued statement.
The university’s full statement can be read here.
According to UO’s statement, UO has received GTFF’s notice that they will strike if a contract agreement is not reached and mediation is scheduled for Jan. 11, with salary increases being the only term left to negotiate.
The statement included “key points” from UO’s latest salary offer. It proposes the minimum rate for all GEs be $34.39 per hour. It would also set all GE “levels” to that unified minimum salary rate. Levels are determined mostly by whether or not students are current graduate students, have a master’s degree or are enrolled in a doctoral program.
“Our top priorities are to bargain in good faith while also minimizing disruption to our students and research programs as much as possible,” the statement read.
An emergency GTFF session will be held on Jan. 12 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Prince Lucien Campbell Hall for members to “discuss strike plans.”
This story is breaking and will be updated.