Portland State Faculty Union Declares Impasse in Talks

PORTLAND, Ore. ― The union representing faculty at Portland State University declared an impasse after 10 months of bargaining with the administration.

The decision moves the union closer to a strike that would be the first by professors at a public university in Oregon. The earliest a strike could occur is in April, because the parties must exchange final offers and enter a 30-day cooling off period.

The divisive issues include salary, tenure and academic cuts.

Portland State administrators have been trying to reduce a projected a $15 million budget shortfall for 2014-15. Steps already taken include a two-year pay freeze for administrators who make six figures and plans to eliminate a subsidy for the football team.