A major union at Oregon Health & Science University this week suspended four leaders, according to an internal email, airing rifts in the labor group on the eve of its own elections, and as it bargains with the university over a consequential new contract.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 328 reports representing a bargaining unit of some 7,000 varied workers at OHSU—a majority share of the 11,000-plus people AFSCME says it represents at the flagship Oregon medical institution.

Those suspended from their roles—and in some cases, their membership—at Local 328 included Vice-President Trisha Crabb and Chief Steward Sarah Curtis, as well as two other leaders who were running for higher office in coming Local 328 elections.

“While this change may come as une

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