Your paycheck
No cost-of-living increase
Under management's proposal, the wage scale would receive no cost-of-living increase during the four-year agreement.
Updated July 9, 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 previous contract expired June 30. Our bargaining team is still at the table for the classified staff who keep OSU running.
June 30 rally at McNary Field · Photo by Sylv Sharp, SEIU 503
At the table now
0% COLAs. A 19-year step path. Rights on the line.
Management's latest offer does not include cost-of-living increases over four years. It would also slow movement through the wage scale and weaken protections our members built over decades.
Status: Bargaining continues
Report date: July 9, 2026
0%COLAs across the proposed four-year agreement
19 yearsProposed path from step 1 to step 10
Our rightsLayoff and contracting-out protections remain at risk
Source: Our bargaining team's July 9, 2026, report. We will update this summary when management makes a new proposal.
What this means for you
The proposal in plain language
These issues affect our pay, career progression and security on the job.
Your steps
A much slower wage path
Management's proposed structure would take 19 years to move from step 1 to step 10.
Your rights
Less security during change
Management's proposed changes would weaken our negotiated protections involving layoffs and contracting out bargaining-unit 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
Email President & OSU Trustees
Tell OSU: We deserve a fair contract
Ask President Murthy and the OSU Board of Trustees to reject an offer with zero percent COLAs, a 19-year step path and rollbacks to our workplace protections.
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 8–9, 2026 · Current
Our bargaining team reports the latest offer
Our bargaining team reported zero percent COLAs, a 19-year step path and proposed rollbacks to our rights.
What comes next
Bargaining and member action continue
We will add updates here as proposals, sessions or tentative agreements develop.
From our bargaining team
View all bargaining news →
Latest bargaining updates
July 9 · Bargaining update
Our bargaining update: 0% COLAs and a 19-year step path
Our bargaining team explains management's latest economic offer and the protections still at issue.
Read our bargaining update →July 9 · Take action
Management's offer? We say HELL NO!
Email OSU leadership and ask for a contract that respects classified staff.
Read and take action →
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
Members vote
Members decide whether to ratify a tentative agreement reached at the table.
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 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.