EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - The Latest on a strike authorization vote by employees at Oregon public universities (all times local):
10:45 a.m.
Leaders at Oregon’s public universities say they are optimistic an agreement can be reached with 4,500 staffers who work in maintenance, food preparation, financial aid assistance and other roles.
The workers’ union has said the employees at seven public universities have voted to authorize a strike of a deal isn’t reached during negotiations next week. In a statement, Oregon Public Universities said the schools were disappointed in the strike authorization vote despite a 13.5% wage increase offer for the next two-year contract.
The schools said the current offer is better than the 2017-2019 contract and represents a total wage increase of almost 25 percent over a four-year period.
___
6:57 a.m.
Workers at seven public universities in Oregon have voted to authorize a strike if a new contract deal isn’t reached during negotiations next week.
The Register Guard reported Wednesday that the workers’ union, SEIU 503, says its members would officially start the strike Sept. 30.
The union represents 4,500 public university workers who work in maintenance, food preparation, tech support, grounds, custodial services and financial aid assistance.
A strike would come as classes begin at some Oregon institutions, including the University of Oregon.
Sticking points in the negotiations include demands for higher cost of living increases and additional pay step increases for workers who are “topped out” at the top of their scale.
The two parties will return to the bargaining table Monday.
___
Information from: The Register-Guard, http://www.registerguard.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.