Graduate Researchers United/Oregon AFSCME (GRU), a union of PhD research students at OHSU, rallied over 100 OHSU graduate research students, faculty and community supporters on Wednesday to demand respect after OHSU management tried rescinding previously agreed-upon language.
“GRU members are fed up with OHSU’s disrespectful bargaining tactics” said GRU Chief Negotiator, Sam Papadakis.
“When OHSU isn’t canceling bargaining sessions at the last minute, they’re sending representatives who don’t have the authority to present counter-proposals, or frankly advance bargaining at all. Walking back previously agreed-upon language designed to prevent exploitation of graduate researchers showed plainly where OHSU’s interests lie, and it isn’t in line with the well-being of their own employees” added fellow GRU bargaining committee member Rich Posert.
The night before the rally, OHSU management went so far as to threaten anyone who attended the rally with an absence on their attendance. Except, graduate students don’t submit their attendance.
“Attempts to intimidate us clearly won’t work” said GRU member Alina Krollenbrock to the crowd of over 100.
GRU was joined by Oregon AFSCME Executive Director Stacy Chamberlain, Oregon AFL-CIO President Graham Trainor, OSU Coalition of Graduate Employees member Anna St. Lorenz and AFSCME Local 328 President Matt Hilton.
“We formed a union in order to build a better relationship between students and the administration. We formed a union so we can stand together against those who try to exploit us. We formed a union to demand fairness and respect” added Krollenbrock.
