From a press release just issued by the American Federation of Teachers in Oregon:
Oregon’s public university research faculty are one step closer to having a voice in their workplace. Today, the Oregon House of Representatives passed our priority bill for the session, House Bill 3170, by a bipartisan vote of 36-23.
This important bill will give public university research faculty the same ability to join a union and collectively bargain that other Oregon university faculty have.
Because they are currently prevented from joining or forming a union, these faculty members have no say in their wages, benefits, and working conditions on the job. They also lack protections for academic freedom, which can subject their research work to the whims of national politics.
The passage of House Bill 3170 is a testament to the work of members like you who called, emailed and met with your state representatives. Now that this bill has passed the House, it will move to the Oregon Senate.
I'd also like to take a moment to thank some key state legislators in the House. The bill was carried by Rep. Margaret Doherty (D-Tigard) and was supported by members including Speaker Tina Kotek (D-N/NE Portland), Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson (D-Portland), Speaker Pro Tempore Paul Holvey (D-Eugene), Rep. Dan Rayfield (D-Corvallis), Rep. Barbara Smith Warner (D-Portland), Rep. Julie Fahey (D–West Eugene & Junction City), Rep. Paul Evans (D–Monmouth), Rep. Janelle Bynum (D–Clackamas), Rep. Chris Gorsek (D–Troutdale) and Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner).
In Solidarity,
David Rives, AFT-Oregon President
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