Message from Interim President Percy on SEIU strike vote

Dear Campus Community, 

I want to make you aware that Service Employees International Union members at Portland State and the Oregon’s other six public universities voted this week to authorize a strike if a contract settlement is not reached by the end of the month. The issues in contention are about salary and benefits. Negotiations are continuing, and both sides are hopeful of reaching an agreement to avert a strike. 

I can speak for everyone at PSU in supporting a fair and equitable contract for our classified staff employees. They are dedicated to the success of our institution, our students and our faculty. We join all seven public universities in recognizing their hard work, and we are committed to reaching an agreement to end this impasse. The details of the latest contract offer by universities and developments in negotiations from February to this week are found here. 

If a settlement is not reached this month, SEIU has indicated that a strike would commence at 7 a.m. Monday Sept. 30, which is when classes begin for the fall term at PSU. If a strike occurs, I want to assure our campus community that Portland State University will open that day with normal operations and class schedules. Any changes in schedules or operations will be announced prior to Sept. 30 if necessary.   

As contract talks continue, we will keep you informed. Negotiators for both university administration and SEIU are working diligently to reach an agreement before Sept. 30. 

Thank you,

Stephen Percy
Interim President