The dispute between Southern Oregon University administration and faculty concerning salary and benefits continues and is headed to mediation. Everyone involved is hopeful the process will be just what is needed to bring the dispute to a conclusion. The faculty recently accused the administration of breaking of negotiations, but the administration denied it, stating they are ready, willing, and able to negotiation with the assistance of a mediator.

The faculty noted it has been bargaining in good faith and believed they were close to resolving the issues. The sticking points seems to be just one percent in salary increase over three years. The faculty wants an 8.25% increase, while the administration is sticking to its offer of 7.25%. It might seem like a small difference, but it is a difference the two sides have been unable to overcome.

The faculty is also disturbed that the administration was willing to give itself a 3% raise recently, but is claiming it is unable to afford what the faculty is requesting. The administration countered, saying the faculty isn’t taking into account this is the first raise the administration has received in years and was essentially faced with pay reductions because of furlough days over the last several years.

The administration was willing to meet the faculty part way in its request, stating they could give raises based on enrollment. If enrollment increases by one percent, they can afford to give more, but the faculty were unwilling to agree to contingencies.

Representatives of the administration point out that mediation is not a bad thing and does not indicate a breakdown in negotiations, as the faculty might have some believe. It is simply the next step in resolving the ongoing dispute.