Your paycheck
One small guaranteed COLA
Management guarantees only a 0.75 percent COLA in January 2027 across its proposed four-year deal, with economics reopening in 2028.
Updated August 18, 2026
SEIU Local 503 · Local 083 at Oregon State University
2026 OSU Classified Staff Bargaining
Get the latest contract updates, see what management's proposals mean for us and take action with our union.
Our bargaining team declared impasse after Aug. 5-6 mediation. Bargaining can continue, and impasse preserves our right to strike if management does not make genuine movement.
June 30 rally at McNary Field · Photo by Sylv Sharp, SEIU 503
At the table now
Impasse declared. Management still needs to move.
Management proposes a four-year contract with only one guaranteed 0.75 percent COLA, a one-year step freeze and no guarantee of a low-cost health plan. Layoff and contracting-out protections also remain at risk.
Status: Impasse declared
Source update: Aug. 7, 2026
0.75%Only guaranteed COLA in management's proposed four-year deal
1 yearProposed step freeze during the 2026-27 fiscal year
Rights & healthLow-cost coverage, layoffs and contracting-out protections remain at risk
Source: SEIU 503 Higher Ed Bargaining Team update published Aug. 7, 2026. These are proposals, not an adopted contract.
What this means for you
Why we are still fighting
Management's current package affects our pay, health care, career progression and security on the job.
Your steps
A one-year step freeze
Management proposes freezing step increases for fiscal year 2026-27, with normal steps in the other three years.
Your health care
Low-cost coverage at risk
Management wants to eliminate the guarantee of a low-cost health plan while wages would already be falling behind.
Your job security
Layoffs and outsourcing
Management continues proposing takeaways involving layoff rights and protections against contracting out our work.
Why the wording matters: These are management proposals—not an adopted contract. Our bargaining team will keep members updated as proposals change.
Current bargaining action
Sign the strike pledge
Sign the Higher Ed strike pledge
Every signature tells management that we are united and gives our bargaining team more power to fight for a fair contract. The pledge is not a strike-authorization vote.
Where we are
Bargaining timeline
See what changed at the table, when it changed and what comes next for our union.
February 2026
Open bargaining begins
Members began observing sessions and receiving reports from our bargaining team.
June 30, 2026
Our previous contract expires
More than 140 members and supporters rallied at McNary Field and marched to Kerr Administration Building.
July 21, 2026
Mediation begins
Our team continued bargaining with a mediator while members built pressure through the strike pledge and workplace action.
August 5-6, 2026
Mediation continues at OSU Portland
The parties made some progress, but management kept unacceptable proposals on wages, health care, layoffs and outsourcing.
August 7, 2026 · Current
Our bargaining team declares impasse
Impasse does not stop bargaining. It preserves our right to strike if management does not make genuine movement toward a fair contract.
What comes next
Bargaining and member action continue
Signing the pledge, wearing purple, showing up and talking with coworkers strengthen our team while bargaining continues.
From our bargaining team
View all bargaining news →
Latest bargaining updates
Aug. 7 · Bargaining update
Higher Ed bargaining team declares impasse
Our team explains what impasse means, what each side is proposing and why member action matters now.
Read the impasse update →7 de agosto · Español
El equipo de negociación declara un punto muerto
Lee en español lo que significa el punto muerto, las propuestas actuales y las acciones que podemos tomar.
Leer en español →July 22 · Member action
Workers turn up the pressure
Member action moved management on union rights and personnel-record protections.
Read the update →
New to bargaining?
How a new contract is won
New to bargaining? Start here to see how members set priorities, build power and vote on a tentative agreement.
1
Members set priorities
We identify what needs to change through surveys, meetings and workplace conversations.
2
Proposals go to the table
Our bargaining team and management exchange proposals on contract language and economics.
3
Members build power
We talk with coworkers, show up together and take action to strengthen our position at the table.
4
Impasse keeps options open
Declaring impasse does not stop bargaining; it preserves our right to strike if management does not genuinely move.
5
Members make the decisions
Members vote on a tentative agreement and on any separate strike authorization our union may call.
Common questions
Bargaining FAQ
Clear answers for members and coworkers following contract negotiations for the first time.
Still have a question?
Email our executive team or bring your question to our next membership meeting.
Email the executive team →What does impasse mean?
Impasse does not mean bargaining stops. According to our bargaining team's Aug. 7 update, it preserves our right to strike if management does not make genuine movement to settle the contract.
Is the strike pledge a strike-authorization vote?
No. The pledge shows support for our bargaining team and helps demonstrate worker readiness. Any strike-authorization vote would be a separate member decision.
What happens after a contract expires?
Bargaining can continue after a contract expires. Our bargaining team will report developments and explain any changes that affect members.
What is a COLA?
A cost-of-living adjustment is a general wage increase intended to help pay keep pace with changing living costs.
What is the difference between a COLA and a step?
A COLA changes the wage scale for covered workers. A step increase moves an eligible worker along that scale based on the contract's progression rules.
Who votes on a tentative agreement?
Members vote on whether to ratify a tentative agreement. Become a full member to have a voice and a vote.