Session 4: OHSU-GRU bargaining update

Members of the Oregon Health & Science University and Graduate Researchers United bargaining teams met virtually Tuesday, March 7, in their fourth collective bargaining session.

OHSU counter-proposals  

• Article 4, sec. 5 Use of OHSU’s Electronic Mail: OHSU committed to investigating and resolving email bounceback issues resulting from firewall protections. Additionally, OHSU proposed language that would allow for advanced notice of communications from GRU, and discussed potential alternative solutions that met both parties’ interests.

GRU proposals 

• New Article on Remote Work: GRU presented language regarding opportunities to work remotely and provided examples of when remote work would not be feasible. In addition, GRU proposed $500 for reimbursement of equipment or transportation expenses annually. 

GRU counter-proposals 

• Article 2 Recognition: GRU accepted revisions proposed by OHSU, which exclude from the union individuals who are ineligible to work in the United States. GRU rejected language regarding GRs working at institutions other than OHSU, but had further conversation about the intent of the language and other ways to resolve the underlying issue presented by OHSU.
• Article 8; sec. 8.8 and 8.9 Overpayment and Underpayment Letter of Agreement (LOA) incorporated into CBA: GRU agreed that separating the LOA language into two sections for the purposes of addressing overpayments and underpayments in academic accounts and payroll accounts was an appropriate business process. GRU countered with language identifying special circumstances that would qualify for extended repayment.

Going forward

The teams will next meet in person on Tuesday, March 21, with bi-monthly-to-weekly meetings as determined by the teams.

 

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