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NEWS 2026 Bargaining

More than 140 rally at Oregon State for fair classified staff contract

Local 083 members and supporters gathered at McNary Field and marched to Kerr Administration on June 30, the day their collective bargaining agreement expired.

By SEIU Local 503, Local 083

Published

OSU bargaining delegate Damien Manassa addresses Local 083 members and supporters holding SEIU signs at McNary Field
OSU bargaining delegate Damien Manassa addresses Local 083 members and supporters at McNary Field on June 30. Photo by Sylv Sharp, SEIU 503 organizer for OSU Corvallis.

CORVALLIS, Ore. — More than 140 Oregon State University classified employees, family members and supporters rallied June 30 at McNary Field, according to SEIU Local 503, Local 083.

Participants gathered at the field before marching to the Kerr Administration Building. The event took place on the final day of our union's collective bargaining agreement with Oregon's public universities.

Local 083 organized the rally as part of statewide higher education bargaining. Members called for wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments, regular step increases and continued workplace protections in a successor agreement.

Contract issues raised at the rally

Union bargaining materials available at the time of the rally said management's economic proposal did not include wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments or step increases over the proposed four-year agreement.

Rally participants also spoke about staffing, workload and the effect of rising living costs on classified employees. Members carried signs calling for fair wages, respect and job protections.

Local 083 members march toward Kerr Administration carrying rally signs
Local 083 members and supporters march from McNary Field toward the Kerr Administration Building on June 30. Photo by Sylv Sharp.

“Our rally at OSU fired me up. It once again showed that bargaining doesn't just happen at the table, it happens in the field, too, and we brought the noise. I couldn't be more proud and honored to be in this fight with our members.”

— Damien Manassa, OSU bargaining delegate

Members and supporters attend

State Rep. Sarah Finger McDonald, who represents Corvallis, attended and spoke at the rally. Members led chants including “We fight, we win” and “What do we want? Fair contract. When do we want it? Now.”

The crowd included classified employees, family members and community supporters. Local 083 estimated attendance at more than 140 people.

A Local 083 member and a child carry an SEIU sign reading Fair Pay Today during the June 30 rally
A member and child carry a “Fair Pay Today” sign during the march. Photo by Sylv Sharp.
A Local 083 member claps and chants with coworkers during the June 30 rally
A Local 083 member joins chants during the rally. Photo by Sylv Sharp.

Bargaining continues

The June 30 action did not conclude bargaining. Union and university representatives continued negotiations after the prior agreement expired.

Members can find current proposals, bargaining updates and future actions on the Local 083 bargaining page.

A wide view of the June 30 Local 083 rally turnout at McNary Field
Local 083 members and supporters gather at McNary Field. Local 083 estimated attendance at more than 140 people. Photo by Sylv Sharp.

Follow bargaining

Read the latest bargaining reports and find upcoming Local 083 meetings and actions.

Read Bargaining Updates See Upcoming Events