EUGENE, Ore. — April 28, 2025 — Tensions are rising at the University of Oregon as more than 4,000 student workers, including hourly employees and resident assistants, prepare to strike in protest of stalled contract negotiations with university administrators. Represented by the University of Oregon Student Workers (UOSW) union, student employees have been in contract talks for nearly a year, with no agreement yet reached on critical issues such as wages and access to shift meals.
After 11 months of bargaining, union representatives say they are fed up with delays and a perceived lack of urgency from the university.
“It’s pretty outrageous that they wait until the last minute every time,” said Izzie Marshall, a student employee and member of the UOSW bargaining team. “The faculty were in a similar situation, and here we are again — still waiting.”
While tentative agreements have been made on several issues, including health and safety standards and non-discrimination policies, talks have stalled over compensation and workplace benefits. The union has signaled its readiness to strike as early as Monday, April 28, if progress isn’t made.
“No one wants to go on strike,” Marshall added. “But morale is high, and we’re prepared to take that step if necessary.”
On campus, support for the student workers appears strong, even among those who could be directly affected by disruptions to campus services.
“It might be more inconvenient to get work — or to get food — but I think justice is more important than business as usual,” said Ashu Bazuzi, a freshman at the university.
In a statement, the University of Oregon acknowledged the ongoing negotiations and said it has made progress on many aspects of the proposed contract. The university added that it is committed to minimizing service disruptions and continuing discussions in good faith. Bargaining sessions were held as recently as Thursday, April 24, with additional meetings scheduled for the following day.
If the strike moves forward, it would mark one of the largest student-worker actions in Oregon’s history and could significantly affect campus operations, particularly in housing, dining, and student support services.
