Members of the Oregon Health & Science University and Graduate Researchers United bargaining teams on Tuesday, June 20, met virtually in their 14th collective bargaining session.

GRU counter-proposals

• Article 8, section 8.2 – Stipend Levels: GRU proposed a reduced increase for the stipend level in years two and three. GRU also removed language regarding the stipend gap, and provided new language that would prevent graduate researchers (GRs) from being terminated due to insufficient funding.
• Article 9: 
  • Section 9.1 – Health Insurance: GRU proposed to withdraw their proposal to provide health insurance coverage for up to three dependents with no charge. Instead, the GRU proposed an increase to OHSU’s premium contribution for dependent care coverage for health insurance.
  • Section 9.2 – Other Benefits: GRU proposed new language regarding dependent childcare reimbursement, stating that if OHSU were to institute a childcare benefit of equal or greater value, the contractual childcare reimbursement would terminate.

Tentative agreements

Section 12.2 – Time Off: GRU accepted OHSU’s proposal to front load paid time off (PTO). GRU and OHSU reached a tentative agreement on additional language stating GRs shall not be required to use PTO in instances where the mentor/supervisor and GR have an agreed-upon flexible work schedule, and the flex time is approved.

Going forward

The teams will next meet virtually on Tuesday, June 27, with bi-monthly-to-weekly meetings as determined by the teams.