Defending Research. Defending Workers. Defending OHSU’s Mission.
Defending Research. Defending Workers. Defending OHSU’s Mission.
Leadership at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) has recently advanced two significant structural proposals that have raised concerns among union members and research professionals:
A proposed transition of the Oregon National Primate Research Center (ONPRC) into a sanctuary model. The OHSU Board of Directors has passed a resolution authorizing the university to begin negotiations related to this transition.
A proposed transition of cancer and clinical trials research administration into the Knight Cancer Institute, work that is currently performed by members of AFSCME Local 328 employed by OHSU.
For AFSCME Local 328, these proposals are not routine administrative adjustments. They raise questions about potential job loss, changes to union representation, and further disruption to a workforce that has already experienced significant restructuring.
Proposal to Transition ONPRC to a Sanctuary
The proposed transition of ONPRC could result in the elimination of union-represented positions and substantial changes to a nationally recognized research center. The pace at which the proposal moved forward prompted concern among employees across the university.
At a recent OHSU Board of Directors meeting, Local 328 President Jennie Olson addressed the Board regarding the potential workforce and research impacts. She emphasized the Board’s responsibility to consider how structural decisions affect employees, research continuity, and the university’s public mission. She also underscored the importance of transparency and meaningful engagement when major institutional changes are under consideration.
Local 328 members attended the meeting in support of ONPRC colleagues. Following sustained advocacy and engagement, three advisory seats for Local 328 employees were established on the OHSU Council on the Future of ONPRC.
Proposed Transition of Clinical Trial Work
Shortly after the ONPRC resolution advanced, research administrators learned through an internal announcement that clinical trials infrastructure may be transitioned into a separate business entity associated with the Knight Cancer Institute.
The announcement prompted several immediate questions:
Whether union-represented employees would remain OHSU employees
Whether union representation would continue under any new structure
Whether work currently performed by bargaining unit members would be contracted out
Why labor organizations were not consulted prior to the public announcement
Why another major restructuring was being considered following the recent strategic alignment initiative that resulted in significant layoffs, particularly in Research Administration
President Olson communicated these concerns directly to institutional leadership in her capacity as both Local 328 President and a Research Administrator. She conveyed that announcing significant operational changes without prior engagement created uncertainty and negatively affected morale.
Following that communication, she spoke directly with OHSU President Shereef Elnahal. During that conversation, he indicated that implementation would be paused to ensure labor unions are involved in the process. He further stated that there would be no reductions in force and that no transition would proceed until operational details are clearly defined.
In addition, President Olson is scheduled to meet with Knight Cancer Institute leadership, including Director Dr. Brian Druker, to discuss the potential implications for represented employees and the collective bargaining agreement. The purpose of this engagement is to ensure that workforce impacts are fully considered before decisions are finalized.
Broader Implications for Our Union - and Research at OHSU
These developments raise broader questions about how structural change is implemented at public research institutions.
The closure or transformation of a research center may eliminate union-represented positions. Similarly, moving research operations into separate entities could alter employment structures and potentially affect collective bargaining coverage.
Research institutions rely heavily on experienced staff who maintain regulatory compliance, operational continuity, and institutional knowledge. Significant structural changes can have lasting effects on workforce stability and research operations if not carefully planned and collaboratively implemented.
Local 328 has maintained that meaningful labor partnership is especially important during periods of structural change, when decisions have long-term implications for employees and the institution.
Actions Taken By Our Local
In response to these developments, President Olson of AFSCME Local 328 has:
Addressed the OHSU Board of Directors regarding ONPRC
Secured three advisory seats on the Council on the Future of ONPRC
Communicated formal concerns to executive leadership
Asserted bargaining rights related to operational restructuring
Obtained a pause in implementation of the proposed Knight restructuring
Initiated direct discussions with Knight Cancer Institute leadership
Continued gathering input from research administrators and frontline staff
The situations involving ONPRC and research restructuring remain ongoing. Local 328 will continue monitoring developments, engaging with leadership, and informing members as more details become available.
Members are encouraged to stay informed and reach out with questions or concerns. Additional opportunities to support affected colleagues will be shared as appropriate.