Session 6: OHSU-GRU bargaining update

Members of the Oregon Health & Science University and Graduate Researchers United bargaining teams met virtually Tuesday, April 4, in their sixth collective bargaining session.

OHSU proposals

• Joint Labor Management Meeting: OHSU responded to the GRU Contract Education and Misinformation proposal with a new proposal that would formalize regular meetings between labor and management representatives to address GRU’s concerns and other matters pertaining to the contract.

OHSU counter-proposals

• Article 4 – Union Rights: OHSU countered the GRU’s request to utilize an OHSU email address to communicate with Graduate Researchers (GRs) by offering to “allow-list” three AFSCME.org designated email accounts to be used to communicate with union members.
• Article 8, sections 8.8, 8.9, 8.10 – Overpayments and Underpayment: OHSU countered the GRU proposal by including contact information for the appropriate office for communication about overpayments or underpayments made through Accounts Payable. OHSU’s counter retained a 365-day look-back period for recouping overpayments, based on grounds of fiscal responsibility.

GRU proposals

• Article 9 – Health Insurance: GRU proposed to strike the current Article 9 and replace it with new language that would make GRs eligible for insurance coverage that is the same or substantially similar to that which OHSU offers to full-time classified employees.

GRU counter-proposals

• Article 4 – Union Rights: GRU countered with a request to “allow-list” a GRU email address rather than an AFSCME email address, re-proposing the use of an ohsu.edu email address for a union member to use exclusively for calendaring GRU events.
• Article 8, sections 8.8, 8.9, 8.10 – Overpayments and Underpayment: GRU countered OHSU’s counter (see above) by requesting OHSU notify GRs of their ability to access GRU for assistance when they receive an overpayment. They also requested OHSU assume responsibility with overpayments, and that GRs may grieve an overpayment made to them.
• Article 19 – Non-Discrimination: GRU countered the proposed informal processes to resolve discrimination complaints. GRU’s counter emphasized utilization of the Confidential Advocacy Program as well the Ombuds, while preserving the right to pursue formal complaints or file a grievance.
• Appendix on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: GRU countered that the proposal would serve as a quick guide to current resources as well as supplement existing policies. GRU also wanted employees to be informed about state and federal administrative remedies when filing formal discrimination complaints within OHSU. Additionally, GRU requested interim action to protect GRs who have filed complaints.

Going forward

The teams will next meet virtually on Tuesday, April 18, with bi-monthly-to-weekly meetings as determined by the teams.

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