UO Student Workers Went on Strike — Here’s Why That Matters

Most folks don’t pay much attention to the inner workings of universities unless you’re enrolled, employed, or dropping tens of thousands to send your kid there. But something big just went down at the University of Oregon — and it’s worth your attention, even if you’ve never set foot in a lecture hall.

Let’s break it down.

What Happened?

On April 28th, 2025, thousands of student workers at the University of Oregon walked off the job. Not the professors. Not the admin. The student workers — the people running dorms, checking you in at campus events, tutoring, staffing labs, supporting professors, and making the whole school function behind the scenes.

Their union, UOSW (University of Oregon Student Workers), had been negotiating their very first contract. Talks stalled. The university wasn’t budging enough. So they did what unions are supposed to do when pushed too far — they shut it down.

Ten days later, on May 7th, they won a tentative agreement with real changes.

Why Were They Striking?

Because UO student workers were being paid garbage wages while doing essential work. Some were making less than $15/hour in a city where rent alone eats that alive. On top of that, they lacked basic workplace protections — stuff most full-time employees take for granted.

They wanted:

• Higher base wages

• Paid sick leave

• Protection from harassment and discrimination

• Emergency payroll options

• More structure and fairness in roles like Resident Assistants (RAs)

The university didn’t just cave — but they finally negotiated seriously once students made it clear: no contract, no labor.

What Did They Win?

Here’s what the tentative agreement includes (and yes, it’s still being voted on by union members, but most signs point to approval):

1. $16/hour Minimum Pay

This is above Oregon’s coming minimum wage increase — not quite the $18.50 workers wanted, but a solid win for a first-time contract.

2. Sick Leave for All Student Workers

This is huge. Previously, getting sick meant losing pay (or pushing through illness). Now, workers can take time off without sacrificing their income.

3. Emergency Payroll Advances

Unexpected financial hit? They can request pay early. That’s a game-changer for low-income students juggling multiple jobs.

4. Better RA Compensation

Resident Assistants were working high-responsibility jobs for peanuts. The new contract splits the RA role into three levels with adjusted pay — starting in the 2026–2027 school year.

5. A Real Grievance Process

If a student worker experiences harassment or discrimination? There’s now a legally binding process to hold people accountable. Before this? Basically vibes and HR forms.

Why This Matters

This is the first campus-wide undergrad union contract at a public university in the U.S. That’s historic. And it’s happening right here in Eugene.

For a long time, student workers were treated like temporary helpers. But they’re workers — and this strike just reminded everyone of that.

It also shows the power of collective action. This wasn’t some top-down political maneuver. It was regular students organizing, holding the line, and getting results.

What’s Next?

The union is voting through May 14th, and if ratified, the changes will go into effect soon after. Meanwhile, student workers are back on the job — this time with a little more power in their corner.

TL;DR:

• UO student workers went on strike for 10 days.

• They won a tentative contract with better pay, sick leave, protections, and more.

• This was the first of its kind in the U.S. and could spark similar efforts elsewhere.

And for the record: this is what democracy in the workplace looks like.

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Want more stories like this? Check out the Spent the Rent Podcast at strpod.com and follow for interviews with local organizers, artists, and folks making real change — right here in Lane County.