After 7 months of OHSU's status quo proposals, OHSU finally came to the table with a wage increase for postdocs after we issued a strike notice for August 15th.
Our union was certified on May 5, 2023, but more than 8 months later we are still fighting to reach a first contract that provides fair and equitable support for postdocs at OHSU. Throughout negotiations we have made many efforts to demonstrate the urgency of reaching a fair agreement in a timely manner, including:
Feb. through Mar. 2024 – OHSU refuses to move from its status quo position. Postdocs began a letter campaign with over 1,000 emails sent to OHSU leaders. Postdocs escalate by holding a rally in front of Mackenzie Hall joined by grads, research staff, nurses, APPs, Local 328 members, and Jobs with Justice.
Apr. 04 through May 13th, 2024 – Postdocs rally, picket, and hold a sit-in to protest OHSU’s status quo position.
May 21, 2024 – OHSU starts second mediation with an insulting proposal of 0 commitment to wage increases over the course of a 5-year contract term. Postdocs picket outside, hold a silent vigil, and deliver a signed petition to OHSU’s team. OHSU called public safety on Postdocs and walked away from the table.
May 29, 2024 – Postdocs rally after the research staff celebrate their union certification and deliver a signed notice to OHSU Executive Vice-President Dr. Peter Barr-Gillespie, demanding a fair contract. Postdocs were joined by AFSCME International President Lee Saunders, Graham Trainor (Oregon AFL-CIO President), and Joe Baessler (Oregon AFSCME Executive Director). The Postdocs bargaining team began a strike assessment by collecting strike pledges.
May 31, 2024 – Postdocs meet with the Oregon Higher Education Commission of the state legislature to discuss the value and importance that biomedical research brings.
June 2024 – Postdocs pledged to strike , with an 87.6% ready to vote "yes" for a strike.
July 5-12, 2024 – Our bargaining team declared impasse and both parties submit final offers and costing. OHSU does not move from their status quo offer.
- July 24, 2024 - A supermajority of postdocs participate in the vote to strike with 87.5% approval. THe bargaining team announced an official strike date of August 15.
- August 05, 2024 - OHSU finally moves from their status quo wage proposals, offering a 3.5% increase.
- August 15, 2024 - Tentative agreement reached with OHSU, averting a strike.
- August 23, 2024 - Postdocs ratify our first collective bargaining agreement with 97.35% approval.
Although bargaining with OHSU began amicably, we found that negotiations soured as OHSU continuously pushed for a zero cost, status quo. Their change in tone coincides with OHSU’s declaration to take a hard stance on unions on January 19, 2024, labeling union efforts as a “Labor-demic.” These callous remarks were followed by the following statement from Peter-Barr Gillespie, VP of Research, “I think postdocs are important. I’ve had several postdocs who have taken my lab into exciting directions. However, OHSU does not pay for postdocs and does not want to pay for postdocs.” We reached a tentative agreement by remaining strong and organized with our collective actions!