Oregon’s public universities, classified workers narrowly avoid strike

By Natalie Pate (OPB)
Sept. 28, 2026 3:16 p.m.
FILE — In this provided image from SEIU, Local 503 President Johnny Earl leads a march on the Oregon State University campus on June 30, 2026.

FILE — In this provided image from SEIU, Local 503 President Johnny Earl leads a march on the Oregon State University campus on June 30, 2026.

Courtesy of Sergey Turzhanskiy/SEIU

Classified workers from Oregon’s seven public universities have reached a tentative collective bargaining agreement with the higher education institutions.

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SEIU 503 announced early Monday morning — just hours before its members were set to picket — that the strike was called off.

The statewide union represents school custodians, dining hall workers, office and support staff and more at the University of Oregon, Oregon State, Portland State, Western Oregon, Eastern Oregon, Southern Oregon and the Oregon Institute of Technology.

SEIU members will vote on the tentative contract soon.

This story will be updated.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: