Oregon’s Public University Custodians Poised to Strike

Oregon public university maintenance and custodial workers could strike on Sept. 30, if a contract deal isn’t reached during a negotiating meeting today at Portland State University, reports the Associated Press.

The worker’s union said 95% of its members voted to strike. The union represents 4,500 employees at seven public universities, including workers in custodial services, maintenance, food preparation, tech support, grounds and financial aid assistance.

Workers are seeking higher cost of living increases and additional pay step increases for those who have reached the top of their pay scale, AP reports. Workers are also asking to be paid when universities are closed due to inclement weather.

Representatives of the region’s public universities said, in a statement, the current offer on the table is better than the 2017-2019 contract, offering a US$13.5% wage increase over the next two-years. They also said negotiators are optimistic a deal can be reached early this week.