With a strike fast approaching, the Graduate Teaching Fellows Federation (GTFF) and the University of Oregon failed to reach any agreement during the first round of mediation.  Although mediation sessions will continue, the GTFF has announced it will concurrently organize for a strike against the university.

Negotiations over a new contract have been ongoing for a year, with formal negotiations culminating in the GTFF voting to strike back in October.  Both sides entered mediation immediately thereafter.

At issue is the GTFF’s demand for two weeks paid leave and raise of 5.5% for all GTFF members over the next two years.  The University’s counter-proposals included 6% raises only for the Level One employees with 3% raises for other levels, or a 5% and 4% split respectively.

The GTFF has complained that this proposal is an attempt to sow dissent in their ranks by stirring up resentment in the lower-level employees and force the higher-level employees to choose between a higher raise and solidarity with their fellow members.

The Interim Provost of the University, Frances Bronet, stated he was “disappointed” that the mediation hadn’t resulted in a contract, but that the “University is still committed to negotiations.”

He also stated that the University does not wish to see the GTFF go on strike, but that they were prepared for such an action and would take steps to minimize the impact on students and other faculty if a strike became a reality.