(Salem, OR) -- The labor union representing classified employees at Oregon's seven public universities has declared a bargaining impasse. It affects 4,500 support staff, including food service and IT workers represented by the Service Employees International Union. Schools and the union are discussing financial and other matters in the current five-year contract that continues through June of 2026. Wages are the biggest sticking point. SEIU and the universities will submit final offers followed by a 30-day cooling off period.