The Oregon University system and the Service Employees International Union Local 503 reach an agreement that heads off a strike vote by union workers. The Union agreed to take more furlough days, but employees will also get pay raises, including a 1.5% Cost of Living increase on December 1st and a nearly 1.5% raise on January 1st, 2013, along with step increases. Employees will take as few as seven furlough days and as many as 11 from 2011 through 2013, depending on salary. The agreement is subject to approval by Local 503 members.