Postdoctoral researchers trying to negotiate their first union contract at Oregon Health & Science University have declared an impasse, sparking a requirement that both sides submit their final best offers — which can be prelude to a notice of strike.
The situation is significant since it comes during a surge of union activity at OHSU, a research powerhouse and teaching hospital. Meanwhile, leadership of the public agency seeks to cut costs, including through layoffs, while also effectively purchasing Legacy Health and expanding hospital capacity.
Bargaining has been underway since September 2023, according to the Oregon branch of the American Federation of State, Council and Municipal Employees.
The last best offers are due July 12, after which the university has the option of implementing the union’s last best offer and the union has the option of issuing a 10-day strike notice.
"Our goal has always been to ensure that we [postdoctoral researchers] at OHSU are fairly compensated and work in an environment that supports our professional and personal well-being,” said Paige Arneson-Wissink, a Postdoctoral Researcher in the study of Pancreatic cancer, in a statement. “Unfortunately, we have not seen the necessary commitment to our research from the administration to make that a reality."
According to the union, it is seeking fair compensation and benefits to improve equity and diversity among postdocs. It contends that strikes were necessary to secure contracts for postdocs at Mount Sinai and the University of Washington.
