A Message From Brian Caufield, the OUS’s Chief Labor Spokesperson:
 
To All Classified Employees:
 
Last week the Oregon University System and your union, SEIU Local 503, started negotiations for a successor labor contract. I am happy to report that negotiations began in history-making fashion with the parties signing tentative agreements on the first day—something that has never before occurred between the OUS and SEIU Local 503.
 
Aside from making history with the signing of the tentative agreements, the OUS is making history as well. For the first time, the OUS has dedicated a website to the negotiations occurring between the OUS and SEIU Local 503. That website, www.ous.edu/about/seiu, has frequently asked questions, information about the negotiations and the OUS, as well as an email to submit questions.
 
I’ve always believed that the best working environment is one where employees have the information they need to make informed decisions. A website is a great way to provide you with the most accurate, factual information we have. This will hopefully assist you in keeping informed about what occurs during negotiations so that an open debate can occur.
 
Feel free to take some free time to view the website by clicking this link: www.ous.edu/about/seiu. There is a welcome letter on the main page, accessible here: http://ous.edu/sites/around.uoregon.edu/files/about/seiu/OUS-SEIU-Welcome-Letter.pdf. After you have viewed the website, if you have any questions, or wish to pass along suggestions about what would make the website better, please send an email to seiunegotiations@ous.edu.
 
Thank you for your time.
 
BRIAN