Articles by newsletter

Panda Express Fundraiser Wednesday, May 17th

Print the attached flyers and bring one to the EMU Panda Express any time on May 17th, and the Strike Hardship Fund will get 20% of what you spend on your lunch or dinner!  Have a meeting that day?  Consider meeting at Panda!  Or pick up Panda Take-out – as long as you show the flyer we will receive 20%. If you like to use their online ordering system, just enter the Promo Code number on the flyer during your online checkout, and we’ll get credit. Have an extra tasty lunch on May 17th! Tell your friends! Treat yourself and…



Gentle Flow for Dreamers – By Donation

Join UO DREAMers this Saturday, May 6, 1-2pm in Gerlinger Annex an afternoon of relaxation, intentional movement, and focused thought to benefit the UO DREAMers Workgroup. For 50-minutes, instructors will take you through a hatha flow sequence of standing postures, classic form sun salutations, warrior poses, and seated stretches. All ability levels are welcome here! UO DREAMers is committed to the success of all undocumented students at the University of Oregon by fostering their talents and promoting their sense of safety and belonging as they pursue their higher education goals. Among other commitments, the workgroup aims to gather resources, increase retention,…



Marching for Science in DC

A wet, unseasonably chilly day was the perfect setting for tens of thousands of scientists and science enthusiasts to march from the Washington monument to the foot of Capitol Hill.  The raucous marchers chanted and throngs of on-lookers cheered as they passed.  With generous funding from AFT-Oregon I was able to represent United Academics and AFT-OR in Washington for this amazing display of solidarity. Check the photos and videos below for the scope of the event in DC, and thanks to all who marched in Eugene, Portland and other locations around the world. IMG_1413


So Many Ways to Honor Labor on May Day

May Day is celebrated around the world as labor day. Originally in recognition of the US. labor leaders executed by the state of Illinois after the Haymarket Square bombing in 1886, May Day has enjoyed a renewed relevance in the U.S. in recent decades as immigrants from Latin America have used the day to demand immigration reform and assert their dignity and rights as workers. This year we have multiple options if you would like to get out in the streets and celebrate alongside your fellow workers. In Salem CAUSA, the Oregon immigrants’ rights advocacy organization, has a rally at…


President’s Report from AFT Oregon 2017 Convention

United Academics, as an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), enjoys a voice in the deliberations within our national union. AFT-Oregon’s Executive Council and annual conventions are the primary vehicles for this engagement. I am delighted to report that our five elected UA delegates actively participated in this important exercise of union democracy. Last weekend, we joined with AFT-affiliated unions from across the state (including our local cousins at the GTFF) to shuffle through 2+ days of business and decision-making. Dozens of resolutions, elections, and internal policy changes moved our union in fresh and positive directions. I must…


AFT President, Randi Weingarten visiting UO in April

On Wednesday, April 26, the President of the American Federation of Teachers (our parent union!), Randi Weingarten is coming to the UO campus to deliver the inaugural Margaret Hallock Lecture on Women’s Rights. Her speech will also mark the final address in the Wayne Morse Center’s two-year look at the future of education in America. Randi’s talk is in the Giustina Ballroom of the Ford Alumni Center at 7 pm. It is free and open to the public. All faculty are strongly encouraged to attend. Weingarten promotes what she calls “solution-driven unionism”—an approach to collective bargaining and collective action that…


March for Science This Weekend in Eugene

We urge you to join United Academics at the March for Science in Eugene this Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day)… and bring your family, friends, and colleagues.  Look for the United Academics banner and come march with us! Location: University of Oregon Memorial Quad Day and Time: Saturday April 22nd, Noon, march at 1. What’s Happening: Local DJ Shawn Kahl and singer Halie Loren join our speakers- Sarah Chylek, science teacher at North Eugene High School, Professor (and United Academics Representative) Jeffrey Cina from the University of Oregon, Professor Paul Ruscher, Dean of Science from Lane Community College and Representative…


Death and PERS Reform

The only two certainties in Oregon life are death and PERS “reform”.  This year’s legislative session is no exception, with two Senate bills still in play, and due for a work session on April 17th.  Although at this point these particular bills seem to be headed for failure, State employees shouldn’t be complacent – as the legislative session winds down to a close over the next couple of months, lots of horse-trading will take place to get a budget adopted, and throwing pensioners under the bus is always a good way to attract Republican support for whatever deal you want…