A funny thing happened on the way to the latest protest at the University of Oregon.

The faculty somehow began to think they were more important than the student body.

The Oregonian reports.

University of Oregon professors demonstrate for new labor agreement

EUGENE — Bargainers working on a new faculty contract at the University of Oregon are debating bread and butter issues such as pay and benefits along with questions about who’s in charge at the Eugene school, officials said.

Negotiating sessions have been held every other week since last year, but both sides say progress has been slow on a new deal for the 1,800-member United Academics of the University of Oregon.

About 100 professors, instructors and supporters demonstrated Tuesday outside Knight Library, the Eugene Register-Guard reported.

They chanted, “We are the university,” while rattling metal water bottles containing dried pinto beans.

The union is asking for 7.5 percent across-the-board raises over three years and other increases that would cost the university about $26 million. The university has proposed 4.5 percent across-the-board raises and merit pay that would cost about $14 million, the newspaper said.

To offer more, administrators would have to cut programs or raise tuition, said Tim Gleason, an administration representative and dean of the School of Journalism and Communication.