The GTFF issues strike notice with potential impact in winter term

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The Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation issued a strike notice to the University of Oregon projecting graduate employees will strike on Wednesday, Jan. 17, if an agreement is not reached. University administrators managing academic and research operations are preparing for the strike.  

In emails to UO faculty, staff, graduate employees and students, university administration stated its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and its respect of the right of GEs to conduct a legal strike. The university’s bargaining team continues to stress its willingness to meet with the GTFF bargaining team and the state mediator to reach agreement. The next mediation session is scheduled for Jan. 11.  

As a public institution of higher education, the university is responsible for providing the best possible education to UO students, regardless of a work stoppage. To meet this responsibility, academic units and individual research groups are developing coverage plans for work that GEs perform, consistent with Oregon law. Oregon statute makes clear that employees not represented by the GTFF are prohibited from striking. Only members of the GTFF are permitted to take part in the strike if it happens.

Employees were notified of the GTFF decision to strike and expectations on Friday, Jan. 5, in an email with the subject line 'GTFF issues strike notice; UO prepares.' Copies of the emails by employee group are provided below: 

Employees with questions should consult their supervisor for guidance and refer to the strike information and frequently asked questions available on the Human Resources website.

Salary increases remain the only outstanding contract term left to negotiate. A comparison of the latest UO and GTFF salary offers is available on the Human Resources website. Key components of the UO's latest salary offer to the GTFF include:  

  • Pay of $34.39 per hour, or $2,468.75 per month at 0.49 full-time equivalency. This rate reflects a recent adjustment to minimum salaries as defined in the current collective bargaining agreement.  
  • Coverage of full tuition and fees (except $61 per term) continues.
  • Health insurance for all GEs, their partners and families with UO continuing to pay 95 percent of the premium.
  • A new model setting all GE levels to a unified minimum salary rate, with greater increases for those currently earning the least.  
  • Across-the-board increases for those earning above the minimum.  
  • GEs at UO would earn more than the average minimum take-home pay rate of public AAU institutions when adjusted for cost-of-living differences between regions.