Portland city union authorize strike over in-person, pay equity concerns

Published 10:03 am Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Portland city workers have voted to authorize a strike, if contract negotiations with the city fail, their union announced Tuesday.

According to the employee union, AFSCME Local 189, 87% of members voted in favor of the strike last week. The union represents nearly 1,100 city employees. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29, is the final day of mediated bargaining with the city. Union leaders told KOIN 6 News, a nes partner of this newspaper, that the dispute centers on issues such as pay equity and incentives for in-person work, which they claim the city has refused to address.

“We’re going into our final mediation session today with a goal of settling this contract for the nearly 1,100 city employees who show up every day to make our city work,” AFSCME Local 189 President Rob Martineau told KOIN. “Our hope is that the city comes to the table with the same goal.”

The city of Portland is also in contract negotiations with the District Council of Trade Unions. City officials said they have been informed that DCTU workers intend to strike starting Feb. 6 if an agreement is not reached.

If both unions offers were approved, it would cost Portland more than $40 million more over the next three years, according to the city. 

City officials said they are finalizing contingency plans to maintain essential services in the event of a strike.

“Whether or not we strike depends on how mediated bargaining goes and what the city offers,” AFSCME Local 189 said in a statement.

KOIN 6 News, a news partner with this newspaper, contributed to this article.