Oregon Health & Science University narrowly dodged a strike by postdoctoral researchers after reaching a late-night deal on pay and benefits.
Oregon AFSCME, the union representing the researchers, announced in a press release early Thursday morning that negotiators reached a tentative deal following a mediation session that went until 12:45 a.m.
The tentative deal must still be approved by the researchers. But the sudden development appears to conclude bargaining between the university and the union that had become increasingly bitter.
As the Aug. 15 strike date loomed, the union representing about 250 researchers filed an unfair labor practice complaint with a state board last week. The complaint claimed that university management illegally threatened to cut off researchers’ health and insurance and vacation leave while suggesting those without U.S. citizenship could lose their positions.
The tentative deal means the union will drop the complaint, according to university spokesperson Sara Hottman.
The deal also means planned pay increases that are higher than the National Institutes of Health’s salary schedule. The researchers will receive a 6% increase after the contract is fully approved and 3.5% annual increases over the next three years.
The new contract will also provide financial help for researchers with international visas and additional paid leave. Postdocs will also see increases in their paid time off and a commitment by the university to participate in a joint labor management committee.
The contract will become effective the second full pay period after ratification, according to statements from Hottman and union spokesperson David Kreisman that thanked both bargaining teams.
