SEIU Classified Workers Reach Statewide Bargaining Agreement, Averting Strike

Medford Klamath Falls, OR, September 29, 2026 — SEIU classified workers across seven public universities in Oregon have successfully negotiated a statewide bargaining agreement, preventing a potential strike. The agreement was reached through statewide bargaining, securing terms for classified employees at institutions including Southern Oregon University, which serves the Medford-Klamath Falls area.

The newly established contract is set to span four years. Key provisions within the agreement include Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for classified employees. Specifically, the contract mandates a 3% COLA for the initial two years of the four-year term.

The negotiations involved SEIU classified workers, who represent a significant portion of the university workforce. Reaching a statewide agreement aims to standardize terms and conditions for these employees across the participating institutions. The threat of a strike was a point of contention leading up to the agreement, with the resolution now averting work stoppages.

Details regarding the specific departments or roles encompassed by “classified workers” were not provided in the summary. Further information regarding subsequent COLAs for the third and fourth years of the contract was also not detailed. The parties involved in the bargaining include SEIU and representatives from the seven Oregon public universities. The specific names of the other six universities involved in the statewide bargaining were not provided.

The agreement signifies a resolution to recent labor discussions, focusing on compensation and employment terms for a considerable segment of university staff. Southern Oregon University’s inclusion highlights the widespread impact of this agreement within the state’s higher education system.

Story summarized from the original created by none on rv-times.com, see more information here.

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