This marks the first collective bargaining agreement for OPEIU, Local 153, which was recognized as a union at Temple last year. The new agreement goes into effect at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year and continues through the end of the 2029–2030 academic year.
Photo by Ryan S. Brandenberg
Temple University and OPEIU, Local 153, the union representing resident assistants and peer mentors in University Housing, have come to an agreement on a new four-year contract. This marks the first collective bargaining agreement for OPEIU, Local 153, which was recognized as a union by the university this past fall.
The new four-year agreement includes increased monthly stipends and leave increases for OPEIU, Local 153 members.
“As OPEIU, Local 153 is a new union, this was the first time that we went through the collective bargaining process with their negotiations team,” said Monica Washington, Temple’s assistant vice president of labor and employee relations who led the negotiations. “From the very start, this was a very positive experience, and we enjoyed working in collaboration with OPEIU, Local 153 to find common ground. We are happy to have reached a mutually beneficial agreement that rewards these students for their hard work but also ensures we are responsible stewards of university resources. We look forward to continuing to work with OPEIU, Local 153 for years to come.”
The new agreement was ratified by OPEIU, Local 153 on May 5, 2026. It will go into effect at the start of the 2026–2027 academic year and continue through the end of 2029–2030 academic year.
Specific highlights for the new agreement include annual increases in monthly stipends, one-time payments to OPEIU, Local 153 members who were employed during the spring 2026 semester, bereavement leave in accordance with university policy, and additional leave-time increases.
The recent agreement with OPEIU, Local 153 is the latest example of Temple reaching a positive outcome with one of its many collective bargaining units. With the addition of OPEIU, Local 153, the university now has 12 unions.
