Saj Sundaram

The University of Oregon Student Workers (UOSW) union gathered for a practice picket in the street in front of Johson Hall from 12pm to 3pm on April 16, 2025. Approximately 200 union members and supporters attended the picket, with speeches from UOSW, The Graduate Teachers Fellows Federation Union and United Academics of the UO. Picketers held signs that read “UAW Ready to Strike.” After approximately 40 minutes of speeches, the crowd formed a circle to start picketing. (Saj Sundaram/Emerald)

Following nearly 11 months of bargaining with the University of Oregon administration, UO Student Workers Union filed a notice of an intent to strike with the Oregon Employment Relations Board on April 16, according to UOSW bargaining team member Izzie Marshall.  

Marshall also said the union could strike as soon as April 28. A copy of the notice was also delivered to the UO Office of the President during the practice picket which took place April 16, in front of Johnson Hall. 

UOSW and UO have yet to come to an agreement on wages, grievance processes and resident assistance roles. UO and UOSW submitted final offers to the relations board on March 19.

UOSW’s final offer includes hourly compensation of $21.00 to $22.00 for all hourly student workers represented in the bargaining unit. While UO’s final offer includes hourly compensation of $15.15 to $19.50 for all hourly student workers in the bargaining unit. Salary varies by role.

According to the final offer, UOSW would also like grievances regarding harassment and discrimination to be investigated by the Office of Investigations of Civil Rights Compliance. While UO also has a three-step process for grievance handling listed in their final offer, there is no mention of OICRC involvement. 

Additionally, UO’s final offer includes plans to split RA roles into a “Resident Assistant Community-Builder” role and a “Resident Assistant On-Call” role beginning fall of 2026. The first role would offer 50% compensation for room and meal plan, and the second would offer 75%. UOSW has rejected this proposal throughout bargaining. 

According to UO spokesperson Eric Howald, the university remains committed to reaching an agreement with UOSW. 

“We value our student workers and their contributions to the University of Oregon and the student experience. The UO is committed to negotiating a contract that fairly compensates student workers while ensuring long-term financial sustainability for the institution and preserving student employment,” Howald said.

Despite the filing of an intent to strike, UO is continuing mediation with UOSW’s bargaining team.