Strike Information

SEIU Strike Impacts & FAQ

Last Updated: September 18, 2026

The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which represents more than 4,000 classified employees at Oregon’s seven public universities, has voted to authorize a strike and announced that, if the parties don’t reach an agreement, they will begin a strike on Monday, September 28. This is the first day of classes for the fall term.

Portland State University will remain open during a strike. Classes are expected to continue as scheduled, although some university services and processes may be disrupted or take longer than usual.

PSU deeply values the contributions of our SEIU-represented employees and remains committed to bargaining in good faith toward a fair and sustainable agreement.

On this page:

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, PSU will remain open. Some services may be delayed or limited during the strike. Continue checking this webpage for updates.

Classes will be held as scheduled. Your instructors will notify you if they have made alternative plans for the class due to a service disruption.

Once SEIU submits a lawful strike notice, members of the SEIU bargaining unit, including trial service employees, may participate in the strike. These employees may also choose not to strike and come to work. 

Any employee not represented by SEIU is prohibited from participating in a strike called by SEIU.  This includes:

  • Temporary employees, unless they are included in the bargaining unit;
  • Members of other unions not engaged in a lawful strike;
  • Unrepresented employees;
  • Unclassified employees, administrative professionals; and,
  • Student employees.

Yes, the university will remain open.

Work expectations do not change during a strike. Non-striking employees are expected to report to work as they are normally scheduled.

Employees should work with their supervisors to prioritize essential responsibilities. Some tasks may be delayed or temporarily paused.

For SEIU Employees

See Strike FAQs from the Oregon Public Universities’ Bargaining Team

Bargaining Updates

SEIU and Oregon’s seven public universities bargain collectively on a statewide contract. PSU will share significant developments with the campus community via email as they occur.

Bargaining Updates about this content