We at PSU AAUP are in solidarity with our sister unions, including SEIU (Service Employees International Union, which represents over 5,000 service workers across Oregon's universities) in support of 5 principles:
- High Quality, Affordable Education
- Working Conditions = Learning Conditions
- Budgets Prioritizing Learning
- Democratic Shared Governance
- Academic Freedom
SEIU Local 503 Chapter 89 at PSU, alongside the other SEIU chapters across Oregon, is currently bargaining for their new contract. They are fighting to win a cost of living increase that keeps up with inflation and regular step increases in each year of their contract. With record high state funding for Oregon’s seven `public universities, SEIU is demanding that these institutions provide affordable education for our students and good living wage jobs in our communities.
SEIU has shared that as a result to the hostile, anti-union behavior and language they have been experiencing at the bargaining table, they have been seriously preparing for a statewide strike.
They are planning a solidarity action on September 17 at the South Park Blocks at 12pm and then will walk to the RMNC shortly thereafter and will be presenting a statement to management.
PSU AAUP can express their support for SEIU by signing the petition at https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/i-support-oregon-university-employees, which asks Oregon's Universities settle a fair contract with their classified staff, including adequate pay raises, benefit protections, and conditions to address the workplace issues they have raised.