GRU Economics

6/20/2023

Comparator Data Issues: University of California CBA

• OHSU analysis cites numbers from 2022/2023, in some instances from 2024/2025, in some instances seems to pick random steps on the current scale.
• All UC GSRs are on a 6 step, experience based scale.
• For 2023-2024, the scale ranges from $32,495 to $47,196.
• CBA provides for quick movement through the first two steps
• Median: $39,845
• For 2024-2025, the scale ranges from $34,564 to $50,203
• Median $42,384

Comparator Data Issues: UC Fringe Benefits

The University of California Contract also provides:

• 14 holidays
• A child-care subsidy similar to our most recent proposal
• 100% coverage of dependent healthcare premiums

While this is not a contractual benefit many of the UC schools have graduate student housing. UC Davis, for instance, has not-for-profit housing housing for grad students, some of which is prioritized for families with children.

Comparator Data: Out of Date Figures

Many of the stipend amounts listed in OHSU’s data are for 2022-2023, but in many instances there is new information for 2023-2024 showing robust increases. We aren’t bargaining for last year, and we need to keep up with inflation.

• University of Washington Med School: increased to $45,000 (15% increase)
• UW has grad student housing, including dedicated family units, below market rate.
• Dartmouth: increased to $40,000-$40,500 (13% to 14% increase)
• University of Chicago: increased to $38,200 (7% increase)
• UMass: increased to $38,000 (6% increase)
• Tufts: increased to $41,000 (4% increase)

Life in Portland

What does it cost to live here?

Life in Portland: Rent

We polled our membership to find out the cost rent for GRs.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

n=172

Life in Portland: Monthly budget for a single person

Assumes no car, no dependents, no emergencies, no medical expenses, no debt or retirement savings

​

​

*GRU survey data

**OSU estimate

Life in Portland: one roommate and a vehicle

Assumes no dependents, no emergencies, no medical expenses, no debt, no retirement savings

​

Life in Portland: Family of three

Assumes 2 OHSU GRs, one dependent child, no emergencies, medical expenses, debt or retirement savings

Figures based on real budget of a bargaining team member.

Life in Portland: Emergencies

GRs are one emergency away from potential insolvency, even in the best expenses scenario.

Life in Portland: Emergencies

Most common responses related to automotive issues and health issues.

“My child broke their leg.”

“Medical bills!! Over $1800 total. And it was for carpal tunnel which may be related to work.”

“Slashed tires for unknown reasons. Had to replace all 4 tires and call a tow truck.”

“My prescription sunglasses got stolen, and the insurance only covers 150 for lens and frame so that an extra 200 gone.”

“My grandfather died so my last minute flight home was more expensive.”

Life in Portland: A living wage

According to studies from MIT, a living wage for Portland/Hillsboro/Vancouver:

• One adult, no children: $44,883
• Two adults, one child, one stay-at-home parent: $81,878
• Two adults, one child, both working: $93,730

​

​

In closing

Our members are barely getting by.

• 4% barely moves the needle, especially in light of recent inflation.

OHSU should want to be better than just average if it wants to attract the best applicants.

This is also a DEI issue.

• The old paradigm of grad stipends assumes a single person with pre-existing financial resources. This assumption no longer matches reality, but continues to make it harder for historically disadvantaged groups to obtain a higher education.