Our bargaining team has received a wide range of feedback from members — including appreciation for our efforts, a strong willingness to strike if necessary, and concerns about where we stand in the bargaining process.

At this stage, we are actively participating in mediation. As outlined in the process below, mediation is only required for 15 days. After that period, either we or OHSU may declare an impasse

Two questions we have received multiple times are: “why aren’t we declaring impasse?” and “why can’t the membership vote for a strike now?”.

Why We’re Not Declaring Impasse — Yet

Put simply, your bargaining team is continuing to negotiate in good faith with OHSU. We believe both sides still have room to move and the potential to reach meaningful agreements through continued dialogue. Declaring impasse now would cut off that progress prematurely.

If we rush to strike before securing tentative agreements on key issues, we risk losing the ground we’ve already gained. Imagine trading a grocery cart full of essentials — a bit of everything we need — for one high-value item, like a filet mignon (or whatever fancy item speaks to you). Sure, it’s very appealing — but is it a full meal? Will it taste good without the salt you had? And let’s not even talk about what happens when there’s no fiber in the mix…

In short: we’re not walking away from the table when we still have a chance to win more for everyone.

Why Can’t We Vote to Strike Right Now?

Your bargaining team is an elected group of members who represent the diverse roles and needs across our union. It’s our responsibility to assess whether we’ve made all the progress possible at the bargaining table before moving to the next step.

If and when we determine that negotiations have reached a true dead end — that there’s no more movement to be made — that’s when we’ll come to you to vote on authorizing a strike.

A strike authorization vote is one powerful tool in our toolbox. It shows OHSU that we’re united, serious about winning a fair contract, and fully prepared to strike if necessary. But authorizing a strike doesn’t mean we immediately walk off the job — it means we’re ready, and willing, if OHSU fails to meet the needs and demands of our members.

Like any tool, timing is everything. A sledgehammer isn’t what you’d use to hang a picture — and we don’t want to use our biggest tool before the moment truly calls for it. We want to act strategically, together, and at the right time.

All of this brings us back to where we are right now. It feels like it’s been a long journey, and it has, but keep in mind that we are not that far behind compared to previous bargaining years:

Why It Might Feel Like OHSU Has the Upper Hand — and Why That’s Not the Full Story

We understand the frustration — it can feel like OHSU is gaining an advantage the longer we go without a new contract. But here’s what’s important to know: that’s not necessarily the case.

Even though our contract has officially expired, both OHSU and the union have agreed to maintain status quo. This means that all the terms of our 2019–2022 contract remain in effect while we continue bargaining.

You may have noticed that there haven’t been across-the-board wage increases this year. That’s because those increases are tied to specific dates in the contract — and we’re currently negotiating what they’ll look like for 2025 and beyond.

We know fair wages are a top priority for our members — they are for us, too. We’re members just like you, and we’re feeling the same pressures: inflation, the rising cost of living in Portland, and the day-to-day expenses of keeping our families fed, housed, and healthy.

That’s why we’re at the table, pushing hard — and we’ll continue fighting for a contract that reflects your value and meets your needs.

What Can You Do While We Fight for the Best Contract Possible?

There’s plenty you can do right now to strengthen our collective power and prepare for what may come:

💰 Save Up
Start setting aside what you can to support yourself and your family in case we call for a strike vote. If the time comes, we want everyone to be ready to stand strong — together — on the picket line for what we all deserve.
📝 Make Sure You're a Dues-Paying Member
Not sure? Sign up or renew your status here. The more dues-paying members we have, the louder our collective voice. This sends a strong signal to OHSU that we are united and will fight together!
👥 Talk to Your Colleagues
Ask your coworkers if they’re dues-paying members. If they’re not sure, they can check in with their unit steward — or better yet, YOU can start the conversation. Regularly talking about contract negotiations helps keep everyone informed and engaged.
📋 Take the Member Survey
Our survey is coming out this week. Remember, only dues-paying members can take the survey and have their voices heard.
💚 Wear Green on Tuesdays
Show your solidarity and pride by wearing green every Tuesday. It’s a visible reminder to OHSU that we’re standing behind our bargaining team. Don’t have union gear? We’ve got you covered:

In Portland? We can send you a shirt. Reach out to bargaining@local328.org.
Outside the area? Order one to be drop-shipped to your home.

Thank you to every member who’s staying informed, supporting the team, and showing up for your union!

Together, we are powerful. Together, we will win - we always have!

Jennie Olson - President, Local 328

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President's Message: Bargaining Status