2026 Kickoff: Why This Year Matters

The results of our 2026 Survey are in, and the mandate from the membership is undeniable: it is time to stop asking and start demanding.

Inflation hasn't waited. Rent in Corvallis hasn't waited. Yet our wages have lagged behind the cost of simply living where we work. This university runs on our labor, from the research labs to the dining halls, yet we are constantly asked to do more with less. That ends with this contract.

Your Mandate: The Top 3 Priorities

So many of you shared your stories. We are not building a wish list; this is our roadmap for what we want:

• Real COLA: Cost of Living Adjustments that reflect the actual price of groceries and housing in Oregon—not just what the university says they can spare.
• Healthcare Security: Defending our premiums. In a high-stress environment, our health benefits are the line in the sand we will not cross.
• Respect & Safety: Enforceable protections against unsafe workloads. No more "other duties as assigned" without fair compensation or safety protocols.

Classified Staff: The Engine of Oregon State University

Since 1868, classified staff have been the heartbeat of Oregon State University. Presidents change. Deans move on. But we remain. We are the ones who process the payroll, maintain the grounds, support the students, and keep the research running.

We take pride in our work. Now, we are fighting for a contract that takes pride in us. A strong union contract isn't just good for staff—it is essential for a functioning university.