The mediation between Oregon State University and the Coalition of Graduate Employees over increased salaries for graduate employees on Monday ended at an impasse, with neither side willing to budge.
According to CGE Vice President of Communications Erika Stewart, for this mediation it was CGE’s turn to respond to OSU’s proposal.
“(CGE) gave the same proposal as before,” Stewart said. “We didn’t walk anything back. We told them how this Monday we had more people out protesting than ever. People are on our side.”
Stewart said the session ended early, as neither side was willing to negotiate their position.
“(CGE) held strong with our 30% proposal, and (OSU) responded with the same walkback proposal they gave us on Thursday,” Stewart said. “The 30% was an attempt at a huge compromise, and we are disappointed that OSU did not meet us any closer at the table.”
The Daily Barometer reached out to OSU officials for comment. OSU Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Manager Lanesha Reagan responded with a statement from the university.
“During the November 11 mediation session, before the strike commenced, OSU’s bargaining team offered a proposal that included terms favorable to the union in efforts to avert a strike,” the statement said.
“The university was unambiguous in making the time-limited offer that expired at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 that it was made to avoid the costs of a strike. The generous time-limited offer was made due to the fact that any disruption to the educational environment has a costly impact on the university,” the statement said.
“At that time, the university provided an offer that reflected allocation of resources to the union rather than toward operations during a strike. However, once the offer was rejected by CGE, the terms expired. OSU has since submitted a package proposal including increases over previous offers.”
According to the statement, the next mediation session is scheduled for Friday, and the university is hopeful to make progress toward a tentative agreement.
