Western Oregon University Federation of Teachers American Federation of Teachers

Western Oregon University Federation of Teachers
American Federation of Teachers - Local 2278

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How are we?

SETTLED. Our 90-5 ratification vote on April 17, 2006 officially brought an end to perhaps the most tense and contentious contract negotiation in WOU history. We were 2 days from having the the first strike of faculty in Oregon University System history. But our new contract gives step increases back to Sept. 2005, and makes up for the salary compression resulting from the 2003-2005 salary freeze.

The problem remains that Oregon is failing to adequately fund higher education. The system is broken. A decade ago we covered over 60% of the cost of educating Oregonians, whereas now we cover less than 40% of the cost. Oregon's citizens are neglecting education in the urge to cut taxes, and this is hurting the state economy, hurting students, and starving its universities of resources. This must change to keep Oregon's citizenry educated and a viable 21st-century workforce.