Undergraduate student workers at the University of Oregon have successfully unionized after the union election was held on campus in October. The University of Oregon Student Workers Union represents primary undergraduate workers, becoming one of the first university unions focused on undergraduates. The union will represent student dining hall workers, undergraduate residence hall advisors, and other part-time workers on campus. A majority of university unions that have formed in recent years represent graduate students and teaching assistants. Union organizers stated that the major issues that they are focused on addressing include workplace harassment, workplace discrimination, and wage increases. One major concern regarding the union is high turnover, due to students graduating in four years and entering the workforce. However, union members stated that the skills and connections can be passed to new generations of students in the future. The union is hoping to begin negotiations with the University of Oregon administration starting in the new year.
See Rolando Hernandez, Oregon Public Broadcasting, November 20, 2023